The 2012 New York Red Bulls season was the club's 18th year of existence as well as its 17th season in Major League Soccer, the top-flight of American soccer. After a disappointing 2011 season, Red Bulls looked to bounce back to their 2010 form which saw them win the Eastern Conference. In 2011, New York finished fifth place in the conference and tenth overall in MLS, qualifying as the final team for the playoffs. The club lost in the two-legged quarterfinals of the post-season playoffs to the eventual MLS Cup winner Los Angeles Galaxy.