Outside90’s Daniel Fraiz-Martinez breaks down all the action from the final regular season round of the MLS.
Shields up: Curse firmly put to bed as Red Bulls aim to go one further
MLS’ first ever Decision Day brought with it the New York Red Bulls second Supporters Shield (in the last three years, firmly dispelling the myth of ‘the Curse of Caricola’) courtesy of a first win in a decade away against the Chicago Fire.
A 2-1 victory meant that FC Dallas’ same result against the San Jose Earthquakes was academic, as Jesse Marsch’s men claimed a deserved trophy that cemented their fantastic campaign.
In truth, the Red Bulls and Dallas have been the league’s best sides by some distance. This is somewhat paradoxical though, as both sides have the lowest wage bills in the MLS at present.
The performances of New York and Dallas this season will be rightly championed as a victory for well structured squad composition, where depth and good coaching is far more effective than the far more common ‘big name signing’ culture that is altogether more prevalent in the competition.
However, with the Playoffs just a week away, the final chapter could still well contradict and leave the Marquee signings with the last laugh.
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