Emotions were running high at a sold-out Red Bull Arena on Saturday night.
And it all started before a ball was ever kicked.
Before the Red Bulls picked apart the Seattle Sounders 4-1, the home team held a ceremony -- or more of a playoff rally. The club unveiled a Mike Petke video and two new banners hanging high in the rafters -- one recognizing the club's past as the MetroStars -- both featuring the slogan: "As long as we're breathing ..."
The red-and-black striped banner was actually the idea of long-time supporter Garry Redman, who explains here how he thought his "proposal wouldn't even be noticed."
And the club pride extended to the South Ward, where the supporters unfurled a massive tifo ("Our Hearts Bleed Red For Our Home") and the emotions ultimately spilled onto the field, where the Red Bulls dominated the best team in MLS with another spirited performance.
See the videos and stills from the magical night at RBA:
