New York City FC Domination Headlines Eastern Conference Clinches

Everything was to play for in the Hudson River Derby on Saturday night – bragging rights, playoff clinching, and home field advantage. New York City FC rose to the occasion and produced their largest-ever victory against the Red Bulls, winning 5-1 at Red Bull Arena. With the win and other results across the Eastern Conference, New York City FC punched their ticket to the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

The catalyst of the victory was Maxi Moralez, who scored the opening goal and added an assist for his 99th and 100th career goal contributions. Moralez joins David Villa (103) as the only players in club history to produce at least 100 goal contributions with the Pigeons.

Despite suffering a loss, the New York Red Bulls were able to clinch their spot in the postseason due to other results across the league. The Red Bulls have made the playoffs in 15 straight seasons – the longest stretch in MLS history and only the fourth major North American professional sports team to have a 15-season streak since 2000: the San Antonio Spurs (NBA, 20 seasons, 1999-2000 to 2018-19), the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL, 16 seasons, 2006-07 to 2021-22), and the Detroit Red Wings* (NHL, 16 seasons, 2000-01 to 2015-16).

Elsewhere in the conference, Orlando City SC had no issues in Dallas, winning 3-1 and also stamping their ticket to the postseason. Despite a slow start to the year, the Lions are on fire with wins in eight of their last 11 MLS games. The resurgence has been led by a dynamic offense, averaging 2.57 goals per game since June 19, including 14 in the last five matches.

All three teams will be jockeying against one another down the stretch for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference and home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series.

*The Detroit Red Wings advanced to the postseason in 25 consecutive seasons from 1990-91 to 2015-16.