New York Red Bulls — Major League Soccer 2010

MLS 2010 · Eastern Conference · Red Bull Arena opening · Thierry Henry signing

Competition

Major League Soccer 2010

Conference

Eastern

Head Coach

Hans Backe

Stadium

Red Bull Arena (opened March 2010)

City

Harrison, New Jersey

Season Overview

2010 marked a transformative season for the New York Red Bulls. Red Bull Arena, the club's new soccer-specific stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, opened in March 2010 — replacing the cavernous Giants Stadium. Swedish head coach Hans Backe arrived from European football to lead the team, and the squad was reshaped through the signing of two Designated Players: Thierry Henry from Barcelona in July and Rafael Márquez also mid-season.

Final Standing

The Red Bulls won the Eastern Conference regular-season title with 51 points — a dramatic turnaround from a 2009 wooden spoon finish. The playoff run ended in the conference semi-finals against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Key Players

Thierry Henry — French international forward (signed July 2010)
Rafael Márquez — Mexican defender / midfielder (signed August 2010)
Juan Pablo Ángel — Colombian striker, club captain
Bouna Coundoul — Senegalese international goalkeeper
Dane Richards — Jamaican international winger