After 31 MLS regular season games, the idea behind the 32nd is simple: Win and you're in.
The New York Red Bulls took to the field Tuesday morning knowing that the implications surrounding the final match of the season - this Saturday night against Kansas City at Giants Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET) - are as big as they can get. Three points against the Wizards, who happen to be two points ahead of the Red Bulls going into the final weekend of the regular season, and New York is in.
"It comes down to who's going to really go out there and dig in and fight for each other," said assistant coach John Harkes. "I think we have that within us, it will be nice to see it come out on Saturday."
New York got to this point after drawing 1-1 at Colorado last weekend. Kansas City, which was tied with the Red Bulls on points going into its match last Saturday, took a 2-1 decision over Chivas USA.
New York is no stranger to these types of situations and in fact, has been successful in recent history. Last season, Kansas City held a one-point advantage over New York for the final playoff spot in the East entering the final weekend of the season. Kansas City tied FC Dallas in their last contest of 2005, momentarily putting the Wizards two points ahead of New York in the standings.
The tie made it necessary for New York to secure three points in their regular season finale on the road against Chivas USA. In that match, goalkeeper Tony Meola made 12 saves and Michael Bradley and Amado Guevara goals gave NY a 2-0 win that punched their ticket to the postseason.
Unlike last year however, New York's destiny is in its own hands.
"It's a do-or-die situation for us and we all want to make the playoffs," said forward John Wolyniec. "We're going to need as much support as possible so hopefully, we get a good crowd out there to spur us onto victory."
Red Bull players on Tuesday encouraged that fans come to Saturday's game. New York has been particularly strong at home this season, going 7-3-5 and 5-1-3 in their last nine at Giants Stadium.
"The crowd will be the 12th man," said goalkeeper Jon Conway, who leads all MLS 'keepers with a 0.91 goals against average. "With a good crowd, lots of energy and if we're doing well, we'll be putting some pressure on them and hopefully, we can ride the tide of the crowd and their energy and get a victory."
"I think it's always important when you have good support behind you, especially now when it comes down to a do-or-die situation," Harkes said. "This Saturday, we've got a great opportunity presented to us to take fate in our own hands being at home."
Despite the importance of this weekend's match, every Red Bull - including their youngest - was confident and relaxed on Tuesday.
"I feel fine," said 16-year-old forward Jozy Altidore after a small grin. "Going into this game, it's do-or-die, but we don't have to show the pressure because we know we can do it. Just go in, relax and play."
For ticket information for Saturday's match, please call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.nyredbulls.com.
