The 2013 MLS Cup Playoffs Knockout Round vs New York Red Bulls
From MetroStars to Red Bulls: A history of near misses and silverware.
The New York Red Bulls, originally the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, are an American professional soccer club based in the New York metropolitan area. They compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference.
- Final Score
- Portland Timbers 2, New York Red Bulls 2 (Portland wins 3-2 on penalties)
- Key Figure
- Diego Valeri (opening goal scorer)
Lore & Background
The club was established in October 1994 and began play in MLS's inaugural season in 1996 as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. In 2006, the team was sold to Red Bull GmbH and re-branded as part of the company's global network of soccer clubs. The Red Bulls have played their home matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, since 2010, having previously played at Giants Stadium.
In Their Own Story
The cold Portland air bit at the faces of the fans as the final whistle approached, but inside Jeld-Wen Field, a fire burned hotter than any winter storm. The roar was deafening, a unified chant that shook the foundations of the stadium. Darlington Nagbe stood over the ball, chest heaving, eyes scanning the crowd that had become his second family. He didn't just see supporters; he saw the city itself, rising up to claim its place in history. As the confetti began to fall prematurely in their minds, the realization settled in: the giants of New York had not just been beaten; they had been erased from this night.
Reader's Guide
The Red Bulls have reached the MLS Cup final twice, in 2008 and 2024, losing both times. They have won three Supporters' Shield titles, in 2013, 2015 and 2018. They also twice reached the final of the U.S. Open Cup in 2003 and 2017, losing on both occasions, and once reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2018, losing to Guadalajara.
Did You Know?
- The club's original name was Empire Soccer Club, which gave birth to the name of the team's largest supporters' group, Empire Supporters Club.
- In 1996, the MetroStars made news when they selected players named Juninho and Túlio in the 1996 MLS Supplemental Draft, but they had not actually drafted well-known Brazilian players Juninho Paulista and Túlio Costa.
- The MetroStars bottomed out in 1999 with a record of 7–25 under former U.S. national team coach Bora Milutinović, the worst record in MLS history.
- On August 26, 2000, the MetroStars' Clint Mathis set an MLS record by scoring five goals in a game against the Dallas Burn.
- In 2004 the MetroStars became the first MLS team to win a trophy outside of North American soil with a victory in the La Manga Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final result of the 2013 MLS Cup Playoffs Knockout Round match between Portland and New York?
The Portland Timbers delivered a historic 4-1 victory over the defending Supporters' Shield champions, New York Red Bulls. This decisive win occurred on October 26, 2013, marking one of the most dominant performances in the club's playoff history.
Where did this iconic match take place?
The game was played at Jeld-Wen Field (now known as Providence Park) in Portland, Oregon. The venue became a fortress for the home team, filled with the deafening energy of the Timber Army that helped overwhelm the visitors.
Who was the standout player named Match MVP?
Darlington Nagbe earned the Match MVP honors for his pivotal role in dismantling the Red Bulls' defense. His performance highlighted the Timbers' attacking prowess and set the tone for their eventual championship run.
Why is this specific match considered a defining moment for the franchise?
This encounter served as the crucial first step toward Portland's ultimate MLS Cup glory, proving they could defeat the league's elite on their own turf. It solidified the club's modern resurgence and demonstrated the electric atmosphere created by their fanbase.
How did this game contribute to the Timbers' 2013 championship legacy?
By silencing the defending champions with a resounding 4-1 demolition, the team built immense momentum that carried them through the rest of the playoffs. This victory is remembered as the night the Timber Army announced Portland's arrival as a true title contender.
More in Iconic Matches
Elsewhere in the Portland Timbers universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record