The New York Red Bulls II had built a solid platform in their first season in the USL, claiming both their first USL Cup Playoffs berth and first postseason victory in reaching the USL Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2015. The club’s second season, however, saw the Red Bulls II make history as the first MLS owned-and-operated club to win the 2016 USL Cup Final.

They did so in record-breaking fashion, too. Led by Head Coach John Wolyniec, the Red Bulls II set single-season records for total wins (21), points (69) and goals (61). The side was particularly impressive on the road, where it notched 14 wins, and lost only once, in sweeping to the USL Regular Season Championship.