Finally, the New York Red Bulls are back in the win column — and not a moment too soon.
A 4-1 victory over Toronto at BMO Field on Wednesday night ended a six-match winless streak dating back to July 20. It was also just their third victory since June 2, providing a much-needed morale boost, especially after getting thumped by rivals NYCFC on Saturday night, 5-1, at Red Bull Arena.
“Every result is good to get the confidence back that you feel in the locker room after the game to come in and be happy for three key points,” head coach Sandro Schwarz said. “And to be honest, it was not my main focus, the last days before the playoffs or something like that. For me and for everyone, it was very tough the last days because of the result against New York City. This was, to be honest, for me, more important. More important to see the reaction to see our principles in the game.”
The vital three points ensure that the Red Bulls stay close to the top-five pack of the Eastern Conference — a perch they tumbled out of with that loss to NYCFC by dropping from fourth to sixth with 44 points entering Wednesday night’s match — with two games left in the regular season. Now on 47 points, the Red Bulls remain level with NYCFC, though the rival club owns the tiebreaker for fifth place. Orlando City sits just two points ahead in fourth with 49 points.
New York also has avoided dropping into the Nos. 8 and 9 seeds in the standings, which would force them to play a Wild Card match to get into the first round of the postseason.
“This was a big reaction, what you need, but not for the playoffs or do-or-die games or something like that,” Schwarz said. “Only to get [back to the mindset of] ‘OK, what do we need to get three points?’ And this was, for me, the main part [against Toronto]. It is very clear to have this situation, and for sure, now we are happy. We are now happy with these three points, and that’s not necessary to think about playoffs or something like that. I know now; I heard that we are now in the top seven in the table, that’s good. I also said to the locker room, congratulations on that. But for me, as head coach, I have more to focus on to have this reaction after the game.”
It is no coincidence that the Red Bulls’ return to form came on the day Emil Forsberg made his first start for the team since June 1 after recovering from a lower-leg injury that held him out for tree months. The star Swedish midfielder played 63 minutes and scored the team’s opening goal in the 27th minute.
“It is a big push,” forward Lewis Morgan, who scored his 13th goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, said. “We all know Emil’s quality as a striker as well, knowing that you have got him playing behind you, and he has obviously played at the highest level. He sees things that some of the guys don’t see, and to have him back, I think, was a big boost for everyone. He’s a big character, and he is obviously our captain. He stepped up tonight, especially with the penalty, and he goes off running, and it is just good to see him back and healthy, first and foremost, after such a long time with him. Just happy to see him back healthy and feeling good.”
