Coming in at number four, New York in name only...

Number Four: Does the Red Bull run carry over to 2009?

New York shocked almost every observer last year, squeaking their way into the playoffs thanks to a few magnificent saves by Columbus woodwork, and then parlaying that lifeline into a improbable run through two-time defending MLS Cup-winner Houston Dynamo and Western Conference Cinderella Real Salt Lake. As magnificent a run as that was, it ultimately ended in disappointment at the HDC. 2008's magic means that 2009's expectations are all the more inflated; it's up to Juan Carlos Osorio to make the Cup run mean something. Juan Pablo Angel returns, and is certainly capable of another MVP-type scoring season. Juan Rojas, Dane Richards, Dominic Oduro and company will be charged with providing JPA enough service to keep the goals coming, while Osorio juggles defensive pieces on the other end of the pitch. New York fans are fired up, and with good reason; now it's time to see what type of shadow 2008 casts on the Red Bulls in 2009.

In addition to the pressure and expectations brought on by 2008 is the lead-in to the opening of Red Bull Arena next year; the organization will certainly want to open their new stadium with success on the pitch behind them.