Following a dismal 2009 season, the Red Bulls saw the arrival of Swedish head coach Hans Backe. Backe replaced interim coach Richie Williams, who became an assistant.

In part of an entire overhaul to the club, the Red Bulls made several notable signings throughout the season including retired French international Theirry Henry, Mexico's national team captain, Rafael Márquez; as well as players including Tim Ream and Joel Lindpere.

The Red Bulls went on a worst-to-first campaign, topping the Eastern Conference by one point over Columbus before losing 3–2 on aggregate against San Jose in the quarterfinals of the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs.

The contract for defender Leo Krupnik was terminated and he returned to Israel. Midfielder Nick Zimmerman was selected in the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft by the Philadelphia Union on November 25. Veteran midfielder Albert Celades retired after one year with club.

Erik Soler was named Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director on December 7 and made responsible for the overall management of the New York Red Bulls, including its sporting division – comprising the First Team, the Red Bulls Academy, its developmental system and scouting. His most pressing concern was to name a head coach.

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Wikipedia