The New York Red Bulls head to Nashville with only one objective: Win. A victory on Decision Day against Nashville SC ensures their placement in the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs and would mark their 14th consecutive year making the postseason.
Red Bulls vs. Nashville SC
This will be the fourth regular season matchup between the two sides with New York holding a 1-0-2 record over Nashville. There is a bit of deja vu this time, and the Red Bulls have only played in Geodis Park one time. The only other time New York traveled to Nashville was in the 2022 season, on Decision Day. That match resulted in a 1-1 draw.
Head coach Troy Lesesne spoke on the upcoming match.
“We have to find our structure and be sound,” Lesesne said. “If we give anything to Nashville, we’ll be punished. Against DC and Cincinnati, for the most part, we didn’t make any mistakes, or covered for them. We have to do that versus Nashville.”
The Red Bulls are currently tied with the Seattle Sounders for the longest playoff streak in MLS history at 13 consecutive years.
There is a lot of pressure to continue that streak, but their main goal is to just get in.
“We don’t speak about that on a daily basis,” Lesesne said. “We all understand the weight, but it’s not driving us. Let’s get in, then create a new finish line.”
Hot vs. Cold
Nashville is coming off a 3-2 victory over the New England Revolution. Although they clinched a playoff berth already and have a record of 13-10-10, this was Nashville’s first win at home since mid-July. Nashville has a 9-3-4 record in home matches this season, but the Red Bulls have won their last two road matches against D.C. United and Supporters’ Shield winners Cincinnati FC.
Win and In
After Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC’s 1-1 draw on October 18, all New York needs to do is win. While a win ensures a spot for New York, there are other ways for them to clinch, although they will need some help. Here are some other clinching scenarios for New York:
- If the match between New York and Nashville results in a draw, the Red Bulls can still earn a spot if Chicago draws or loses to NYCFC.
- The Red Bulls can also clinch if Charlotte draws or loses to Miami.
- To make things more interesting, New York has the potential to host the Eastern Conference Wild Card match if they win and Montreal CF draws or loses to the Colombus Crew.
“It’s important to finally see in a clear position what we need to do to get into the playoffs,” Lesesne said. “It’s refreshing… it makes us very excited. We’ve worked really hard for this moment.”
The New York Red Bulls will face Nashville SC in Geodis Park on Decision Day, October 21 with their eyes set on the postseason.
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