In the 2003 Major League Soccer season, the New York Red Bulls competed as the MetroStars. Under new head coach Bob Bradley, the team achieved a historic run by reaching their first major final in the U.S. Open Cup, where they ultimately finished as runners-up after a tight 1-0 defeat to the Chicago Fire. In the MLS regular season, they secured 42 points to finish 5th overall and earn a playoff berth. Forward Clint Mathis finished the season as the team's top goalscorer.