HANOVER, N.J. — For the New York Red Bulls, winning the Supporters’ Shield was so last week.
The silverware finally arrived at the Red Bulls’ training facility Friday morning, but the team has already shifted its focus to the MLS Cup, the grand trophy that has eluded the organization for 22 years.
“It was a bit anticlimactic because the celebration was on Sunday,” goalkeeper Luis Robles said. “I’m not sure what shipping company they used for it to finally show up on Friday, but it also speaks to the mentality of this group that it’s just on to the next one.”
The Shield wasn’t at Red Bull Arena last Sunday because it was at BMO Field in Toronto, where it’s lived for the past year. Plus, Atlanta United had a better chance to capture it on Decision Day.
Instead, TFC blasted the Five Stripes 4-1, and that win coupled with the Red Bulls’ 1-0 victory over Orlando City SC meant the Shield was returning to New York.
“It was strange because yeah, that is what we won, but the celebration is done,” Robles added. “For us, it’s about business, and the next order of business is Sunday against Columbus.”
The time with the Shield was brief for the players, who took an assortment of pictures and got to lift it. But after a few moments, the team returned to training and preparing for the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Columbus Crew SC Sunday at MAPFRE Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Shield was locked back in its case and returned to the Red Bulls supporters — thus the name — for the third time in six years.
“It was nice, very nice. Heavier than I thought,” defender Tim Parker said. “Regular season success is quite an accomplishment considering how long the season is and how much goes into it. Winning the Cup is icing on the cake and that’s something we’re going for.”
“It was nice. It was the first time I’ve seen the Supporters’ Shield,” winger Danny Royer added. “It’s pretty heavy. I think it’s in a good spot right now, but it’s just for now. Tomorrow, we start going for the big one.”