GOOOOAAALLL!

One of the original MLS teams—first known as the MetroStars when the league was founded in 1996—the Red Bulls are the only team not to have won a major competition, but the rebuilding program undertaken by head coach Hans Backe (who fulfilled many a frustrated fan’s dream by cutting five players, including the goalkeeper) in the past two seasons yielded them an invitation to be the first MLS team to play in the prestigious 2011 Emirates Cup in London, which they brought home. This year, they’re on a winning streak and are second in the Eastern Conference, despite a few key injuries. And the fans are with them—more than 17,000 at a recent Saturday-night game! The 20-minute PATH ride is worth it just to see Red Bull Arena, a state-of-the-art stadium built by an energy-drink company instead of taxpayer money.

Sat., April 28, 3:30 p.m., 2012