The Red Bulls clinched their second Supporters’ Shield in three years Sunday with a 2-1 win at the Chicago Fire — and in many ways it was sweeter than the first. A cost-cutting, rebuilding outfit tabbed by many to be among the worst in MLS finished the regular season as its best.
“It’s very special, because at the beginning of the season … I heard nothing but negative press, what we’re going to do about players and losing a good man in [ex-coach] Mike [Petke],’’ forward Bradley Wright-Phillips said. “We managed to use that as our fuel. This isn’t everything, but it’s a big part of history for us. … I’m proud of the boys, every one.’’
Wright-Phillips set the tone with his eighth-minute goal, his 17th of the season. His 44th tally over the last two years tied an MLS record, and got the Red Bulls rolling early. Midfielder Sacha Kljestan, who assisted on the first goal, scored the next on a 35th-minute penalty kick, and after Chicago pulled a goal back in the 78th minute, goalkeeper Luis Robles and the defense held on.
“It’s huge, very significant,’’ captain Dax McCarty said. “Obviously this one means a lot, just like the first one did. But this one to me is special for different reasons than the first one; for sure because no one expected much from us this year.
“A lot of people wrote us off in the beginning. A lot of people gave us no chance to even be a part of the postseason, and now we’re here. Statistically speaking, we’re the best team in the league after the regular season. It’s a great feeling. Part of our goal-setting is accomplished. We have another big goal that we’re dreaming of.’’
The win at Toyota Park — their first ever at that stadium, and first in Chicago since 2005 — left the Red Bulls 18-10-6 for 60 points, after the offseason firing of Petke and loss of stars Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill and Peguy Luyindula. They will have home-field advantage through MLS Cup, opening the Eastern Conference semifinals Sunday on the road and hosting the home leg Nov. 8.