New York (10-13-10, 40 points), one of four teams in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, enters the final day in 10th place, one spot below the playoff line. The Red Bulls have a 13-season playoff streak, equaling the Seattle Sounders (2009-21) for the longest in MLS history, and also the longest active playoff streak in major American sports. Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers (11) are second.
D.C. United, Chicago and Charlotte also enter the final day with 40 points, with eighth-place Montreal just one point ahead. D.C. United are mathematically eliminated from contention because they have completed their season and will be passed by at least one team.
It's possible the Red Bulls could still qualify with a draw if Chicago loses or draws against New York City FC and Charlotte loses or draws with Inter Miami. However, there are also scenarios in which New York could win and still miss the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
"For sure, all of us are feeling that it's
imperativeto win," defender John Tolkin said. "I'm pretty sure there are other scenarios where we can get in but to us it's win or go home."
That won't be easy against seventh-place Nashville (13-10-10, 49 points), which has already clinched a playoff berth and is 9-3-4 at home this season. Led by reigning MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar (15 goals, 11 assists), Nashville has lost just once in its last eight matches dating back to late August (2-1-5) and comes in off a 3-2 victory over the New England Revolution last Saturday.
"The hope is of course that we can finish the season on a high note and take ourselves into the playoffs in a
desirableframe of mind," Nashville head coach Gary Smith said.
New York is 1-0-2 all-time against Nashville, which has allowed just 31 goals in 33 matches. The two teams drew 0-0 on March 4 in the Red Bulls' home opener.
"We know going into Nashville ... it's a tough environment," Tolkin said. "They have the best back line in the league I think. Those are two things you don't want to be facing on the last day. But we have full confidence. Based on our form, we're
ecstaticto get out there and running."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Recap AUG 17TH 2024
John Tolkin scored on a penalty kick in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time to give the visiting New York Red Bulls a dramatic
1-0 Decision Dayvictory over Nashville SC on Saturday afternoon.
New York qualified for the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, the longest active playoff streak in major North American sports. Carlos Coronel made four saves for his ninth clean sheet of the season for New York (11-13-10, 43 points) which finished eighth and will host ninth-place Charlotte FC in the Eastern Conference wild-card match on Wednesday night.
The playoff streak, which began in 2010, also broke a tie with the Seattle Sounders (2009-21) for the longest in MLS history.
Joe Willis finished with four saves for Nashville SC (13-11-10, 49 points) who finished in seventh place and will play second-place Orlando City in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Red Bulls entered stoppage time knowing they needed a goal to keep their playoff streak alive and got a major break in the 92nd minute when Nashville's Anibal Godoy tripped midfielder Luquinhas right inside the top of the 18-yard box.
Tolkin then blasted a left-footed shot into the right corner of the goal as Willis dived to the left. It was his third goal of the season.
Both teams had excellent scoring chances in a scoreless first half that saw Nashville finish with a 4-2 edge in shots of goal.
Reigning Golden Boot winner Hany Mukhtar had a pair of good chances for Nashville, including one on a breakaway in the 16th, but Coronel made a diving finger-tip deflection on his right-footed shot from the left side of the box that caromed off the far right post.
Fafa Picault had another excellent chance for the home team in the eighth minute of stoppage time with a right-footed shot from the left side of the six-yard box that Coronel caught.
Forward Elias Manoel had the best scoring chance for the Red Bulls in the 25th minute when he took a through pass from Luquinhas, but Willis saved his left-footed attempt from the left side of the box.
Willis also made a diving two-handed grab of a Manoel right-footed shot from the middle of the box in the 50th minute.