The New York Red Bulls have never been able to do it. The MetroStars could not do it either. With a franchise cursed for nearly 20 years, what makes this season different?

With Saturday's 2-1 loss at D.C. United, the Red Bulls advanced to the Conference finals for the first time since 2008. In all likelihood, this sets the Red Bulls up for a showdown with the New England Revolution in the MLS final four.

That means with three positive results, the Red Bulls could take home the MLS title for the first time in the history of the club. Though the franchise's history in the playoffs is less than stellar (to put it kindly), there is a different feel with this group; this year's New York Red Bulls can win the MLS Cup.

Though New York had a rough first half of the season, in the second half of the season and the playoffs, four things have emerged that suggest the Red Bulls can go all the way.

Tactical Change

In New York's first 25 regular season matches, the club only managed three clean sheets. The Red Bulls were notand are nota spectacular defensive team. But the team's defensive record up to that point was acceptable.

In the Red Bulls' 26th regular-season match, manager Mike Petke sent his team out in a different formation to the one he had used previously.

Gone was the 4-4-2 that carried the team to the Supporters' Shield in 2013. Rather, against 2013's MLSchampions, Sporting KC, Petke's men lined up in a 4-2-3-1.

On September 6, Eric Alexander and Dax McCarty lined up as holding central midfielders behind an attacking-midfield three of Lloyd Sam on the right, Peguy Luyindula in the middle, and Thierry Henry on the left. The Red Bulls won 2-1.

Go here to see the original:

Why the New York Red Bulls Can Win the MLS Cup