FC Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls finish their series like a bookend of the season. One team plays while dreaming of winning it all, while the other wrestles with the disappointment of their season’s shortcomings.

NEW YORK RED BULLS

One year after making it to the MLS Cup, the New York Red Bulls find themselves falling short of the playoffs for the first time since 2008. They sought to recreate their success from last year by bringing in striker Eric Choupo Moting to lead the line. And while he has produced 16 goals and five assists, the team around him has diminished. Injuries have ravaged the squad all season, but leadership has also missed a chance to make a late season push.

Sitting just below the playoff line in the summer window, the front office chose to bring in no one to bolster the squad and instead relied on the academy to fill the gaps. And while they have seen significant contributions from these players, like 17-year-old striker Julian Hall, their development has not reached a point where they can push the team to the next level.

Red Bull’s Recent Form

FC CINCINNATI

The...