The beginning of Monday’s two-leg Eastern Conference semifinal between Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls is the resumption of a long history between the New Jersey-based club and the Reds’ two American stars.
Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore were both 16 years old when they joined the organization — then the New York MetroStars — in 2004 and 2006, respectively. It’s where they got their first taste of professional football, and where Altidore score his first playoff goal.
But while both players have fond memories of their time with New York, the history has little significance on the road to what they hope will be an MLS Cup.