by DAVE MARTINEZ

PORTLAND, OR. – If this season has been a statement for the New York Red Bulls, Sunday’s victory over the Portland Timbers serves as the first of several potential exclamation marks.

With the win, New York became the first team to clinch a playoff spot — and that was the least of their achievements. The Red Bulls overtook first place in the Eastern Conference and tied Supporters’ Shield leading Vancouver Whitecaps in the overall table as well.

“It’s significant in the sense that we’re being rewarded for continuing to believe in ourselves and push really hard but it’s not really the end goal,” head coach Jesse Marsch said after the match. “It’s a big step because to get to the playoffs this early in the season says a lot about our team and about the season we’ve had but we’re not stopping. We’re going to make sure that we’re all focused on the end goal.”

Sunday’s match served as a microcosm of the Red Bulls’ season. New York played their “high energy, high press” game on the road against a dangerous Timbers side. The high line once again choked the life out of their opponent. The top four attackers interchanged masterfully — despite the addition of two first-time starters on the field. Their team-first defense repelled several Portland jaunts into their area.

And once again, Luis Robles stood on his head.

All in all, the Red Bulls exhibited a familiar blueprint on Sunday night — one that has ultimately awarded them a place amongst the best teams in MLS.

“I think we showed that when we are committed to play the way we want to play, that we can really command the game,” Marsch said. “We showed that we’re a deep team and that when guys step on the field, that they are talented and they know their roles. We showed that this team has heart and belief in what they are and who they are.

“We weren’t happy with the performance in New England,” Marsch continued. “For these guys to come back and lay it all out here like this and empty the tank certainly shows a lot about their character.”