The 2008 season was the 13th season of New York Red Bulls's franchise existence. They played their home games at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Juan Carlos Osorio made his debut as the Red Bulls coach after being hired in December 2007.
Despite finishing eighth of 14 teams on the MLS league table this season, the Red Bulls -- with 39 points (10W-11L-9D) and a negative goal difference -- made a run to the MLS Cup final, advancing as Western Conference champions despite playing in the East. The club would fall to Columbus Crew in the final, 3âÂÂ1. This would be the franchise's last Cup final appearance until 2024, in the same stadium, where they would also lose to the host LA Galaxy. They would reach the US Open Cup Final in 2017 playing Sporting Kansas City.
The Red Bulls were upset in the U.S. Open Cup by Crystal Palace Baltimore.