New York Red Bulls win Supporters' Shield, break MLS points record
The New York Red Bulls have captured the 2018 Supporters' Shield after a 1-0 win on Sunday over Orlando City on MLS Decision Day.
Atlanta United entered the weekend in the top spot of the overall standings, a point ahead of the Red Bulls, and three points would secure the team's first-ever trophy.
However, a calamitous 4-1 defeat at Toronto FC combined with New York's victory over Orlando handed the Shield to the New Jersey outfit, its third such triumph in the last six years.
With the victory, the Red Bulls finished on 71 points, a new MLS single-season record.
Though Atlanta was already losing in Toronto, Derrick Etienne's fine solo goal sealed the deal for the Red Bulls. They will now turn their attention toward attempting to mirror Toronto's achievement last season, and go on to MLS Cup glory.
TFC are only the second franchise, after the LA Galaxy in 2011, to win the Shield and Cup double this decade. The Red Bulls and Atlanta both receive a bye into this year's Eastern Conference semifinals as a result of finishing in first and second, respectively. New York will be the top seed.
Year | Shield Winners | MLS Cup Playoff Progress |
---|---|---|
2017 | Toronto FC | Winners |
2016 | FC Dallas | WC Semifinals |
2015 | New York Red Bulls | EC Finals |
2014 | Seattle Sounders | WC Finals |
2013 | New York Red Bulls | EC Semifinals |
2012 | San Jose Earthquakes | WC Semifinals |
2011 | LA Galaxy | Winners |
2010 | LA Galaxy | WC Finals |