Red Bulls Drop Final Home Game, Miss Playoffs for First Time in 15 Years

The New York Red Bulls fell to FC Cincinnati, 1–0, on a humid Saturday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, marking the club’s first time missing the playoffs in 15 seasons.

Cincinnati’s Kevin Denkey scored in the 12th minute, striking from outside the box for the only goal of the match. The Red Bulls controlled 61.1 percent of possession and recorded 17 shots but were unable to find an equalizer.

“Of course, we are very disappointed,” Head Coach Sandro Schwarz said. “What I can say today from our group, from the whole team, also from the subs and also from the guys who didn’t play, for me, they showed really good character today because it’s not so easy when you concede the first goal. But the way how we played today, in my opinion, was very well. We have to improve something, especially in the first half, more aggressive runs in the box.”

The loss dropped New York to 12-13-7. Cincinnati, already playoff-bound after clinching a berth on September 3, improved to 18-9-5.

Following the FIFA international break from October 6–14, the Red Bulls will close their season on the road against the Columbus Crew on October 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass and New York Red Bulls Radio. Looking ahead, Schwarz said, “I love playing against Columbus and their style of play.”