FC Cincinnati Knock Out New York Red Bulls From MLS Cup Playoffs
The New York Red Bulls qualified for the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs on the final day of the MLS regular season in Nashville, Tennessee. Stud left-back John Tolkin put away a penalty kick in stoppage time to defeat Nashville SC 1-0. This win and three points were the key to an 8th place finish in the Eastern Conference and a ticket to the play-in game against Charlotte FC.
On the flip side of this, FC Cincinnati sealed their trip to the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs the earliest of anyone in the league. The 2023 Supporters’ Shield champions were able to confidently advance themselves into the playoffs after a dominant regular season that saw them finish with 69 points after 34 games played.
The MLS Cup Playoffs began on 10/25 with the play-in games. The New York Red Bulls hosted Charlotte FC at Red Bull Arena. In a dominant result, the Red Bulls took down Charlotte behind an Elias Manoel hat trick. The 5-2 victory for New York in Harrison speared the hopes of fans all around the tri-state area for a potential playoff run. But, that run would have to continue with a Best of Three series against the #1 seed FC Cincinnati. Cincy took it to the Red Bulls at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Behind a brace from Alvaro Barreal as well as a dominant showing from Lucho Acosta, Cincy took down the Red Bulls 3-0.
Now, with their season on the line, the New York Red Bulls returned home in order to try to grab another win. The Red Bulls seemed up for the task. With their usual high energy, they were able to cause a mistake and grab a 1st half goal from Tom Barlow. Things looked all but New York’s way until the Supporters’ Shield winners went into their form. In the 75th minute, summer Designated Player signing Aaron Boupendza scored after some nice inter-play with Lucho Acosta. After a potential last minute game winner goal was called off for Lucho Acosta, the game went immediately into penalty kicks.
The Red Bulls looked sure to win in PKs until John Tolkin missed his game winning chance. The penalty kicks got extended, and once again, the Red Bulls were primed to secure the win when Yerson Mosquera’s shot was saved by Carlos Coronel. Serge Ngoma stepped up for the Red Bulls and unfortunately he skied his shot over the net, FC Cincinnati was alive. Junior Moreno then put away his PK for Cincinnati. The game was on the line for the Red Bulls as centerback Andres Reyes stepped up to the spot. Roman Celetano stepped up and made a huge save, winning the match for FC Cincinnati. The New York Red Bulls were eliminated by FC Cincinnati, ending their late season run. FC Cincinnati advances on to the Eastern Conference Semifinals to face the winner of the Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution series.
