With two Supporters’ Shields in three years and favored to hoist their first MLS Cup, the Red Bulls are in the odd position of having a target on their backs without having a league title in their trophy case.
Boasting their deepest and most balanced team, Bovada installed the Red Bulls as 4:1 favorites to win MLS Cup. But the intangible Vegas can’t measure — desire — will determine their season, which starts Sunday vs. Toronto (1:30 p.m., MSG).
“They’re hungrier than ever, and partly because we fell short at the end of the year, that’s meant that there’s a lot of built-in anger and hunger for this season,’’ said Jesse Marsch, whose Red Bulls came within a goal of the MLS Cup final.