HANOVER, N.J. – With two games remaining in the regular season, the New York Red Bulls still have plenty to play for. The top spot in the Eastern Conference, a CONCACAF Champions League berth, and a bye into the conference semifinals all remain a distinct possibility for the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions.
When it comes to this weekend’s opponent, however, there is decidedly less on the line.
By virtue of their 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire on Thursday night, Columbus Crew SC have been eliminated from the 2016 MLS Playoffs in quite disappointing fashion. A year after eliminating the Red Bulls en route to an appearance in MLS Cup 2015, the Ohio club has looked a shell of their former selves throughout the current campaign.