EDITORIAL – Whether the New York Red Bulls win MLS Cup, make the playoffs, advance in the U.S. Open Cup or even compete for the Eastern Conference title, there is one title no one can take away from them — even if it doesn’t come with a trophy.

The Red Bulls are “The Kings of New York Soccer.”

At least for another year.

With four months remaining in the MLS season and another derby match on the horizon in late August, the Red Bulls have already staked their claim as the strongest professional soccer club in the New York area.

This past Sunday, they made a statement in front of 48,047 fans at Yankee Stadium, beating New York City FC with an overpowering second half showing to take their season series against the Blues. It is their second victory against the fledgling side; a win as emphatic as the first.

Three days later, the NASL Spring Champion New York Cosmos — a club undefeated in ten league matches this season — crumbled under the youthful legs of the Red Bull stampede, overwhelmed by a choking press that would bury the second division standouts 4-1. The win was revenge for the Red Bulls, who conceded in embarrassing fashion to the Cosmos last season at Hofstra University by an unsightly 3-0 scoreline.

“It’s been a great three or four days for us to beat both New York teams,” Red Bulls midfielder Lloyd Sam said. “And the way we beat both of them was great too — one away, one home.

“They have been asking what color New York is — it is going to be red now. The fans have all the bragging rights now.”

It’s hard to argue with Sam on that one. The Red Bulls didn’t just beat their New York rivals; in many ways, they dominated them. Sure, NYCFC had a strong first half before their final collapse, and yes, the Cosmos had a strong run against the Red Bulls as well. However, neither team could keep up with the Red Bulls in terms of fitness and tactics.

Say what you will about Jesse Marsch and his Red Bulls — they certainly are not a perfect side. One may say they aren’t quite complete yet either. However, the new Red Bull braintrust is beginning to show the fruits of their approach. Are they going to be the highest spending club in the area? Not by a long shot. But they surely will compete. Even as the team was mired in their midseason winless run, the Red Bulls never looked out of contention in their draws and losses.

Much of that is due to the core philosophy of the Marsch/Ali Curtis regime of creating a youth pipeline to the senior team through their USL affiliation and their academy system. Wednesday night against the Cosmos, that pipeline was a visible factor in the team’s victory. Even without Bradley Wright-Phillips, the Red Bulls managed to threaten at forward with the young Anatole Abang leading the line. At midfield? USL product Sean Davis gave Felipe a breather. On the backline? Young Matt Miazga continues to show exponential growth under the Marsch regime.

Sure, New York City FC will steal headlines away with the incoming Frank Lampard and inevitable Andrea Pirlo signing. The Cosmos will likely do the same as they scour the summer transfer window for talent to buoy their side.

However, the Red Bulls approach — a budget conscious, youth focused endeavor — is bearing fruit where it counts; in the win column. The young, unknown quantities on the pitch won’t put butts in seats, but they have buoyed New York through the MLS season and the U.S. Open Cup, keeping the club dangerous in both competitions. That, and some savvy substitutions on the sideline from Marsch and his staff, have maximized the health and balance of the team heading into the unforgiving summer months.

It is quite an achievement if you look at the Red Bulls in a larger context. Most had written them off before the season even began as a tumultuous offseason threatened to derail the team. New York City FC’s high-profile signings and deep wallets didn’t help that narrative either.

What has happened instead has been nothing short of remarkable. The Red Bulls have proven to be a resilient bunch — whether winning or otherwise. Over the course of four months, they have displayed the potential of their dominance, have been exposed for their weaknesses in depth and tactics and have still managed to learn from their early mistakes — and better themselves in the process. All of that has been achieved with what the New York Post has appropriately dubbed a “cheapie” approach to talent.

That is all part of the “growing process” Marsch has referenced since his inception as Red Bull head coach. No one will admit to the tightening of the Red Bulls’ purse — not in public anyway. However, they will preach about youth development and playing to their potential — another way to explain their hesitance in the free agent market. Marsch has talked about the need to grow as a team. He has helped craft the Red Bulls from top to bottom to employ the same style of play, from USL to the senior team. He has also proven that opportunities will come to players of all ages — so long as they merit the privileged. That has been a major motivator, particularly for the middle of the Red Bulls roster which has historically struggled to contribute over the past several Red Bull regimes.

With two derby wins in a row, a season series already won against NYCFC and a solid playoff position midway through their season, it’s hard to argue against that approach. Whether it be the stars of the starting XI or the contributors on the bench, the Red Bulls’ team mentality has pushed them to be competitive — win, lose, or draw. No, they may not be the Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill, Rafa Marquez high-spenders of year’s past — but they are certainly no pushovers.

And now, they have the crown of New York soccer to prove it.

Figuratively, of course.

Six months ago, none of this seemed possible. Not by a long shot.

Today, Red Bull fans can rejoice: New York is Red. And you would be hard pressed to argue otherwise.