The team has underachieved since its inception, with its best result in MLS play being the MLS Cup semifinals in 2000. In the US Open Cup, the MetroStars reached three semifinals (1997, 1998, 2000), before finally reaching their first final in 2003, losing 1-0 to the Chicago Fire. On August 26, 2000, the Metros' Clint Mathis set an MLS record by scoring five goals in a game against the Dallas Burn.

Despite their poor domestic record, the MetroStars became the first (and at this point, only) MLS team to win a trophy outside of North American soil, a 2004 victory in La Manga Cup. The MetroStars defeated Ukraine's Dynamo Kyiv 3–2 in the semifinals before edging Norway's Viking FK 1–0 in the final. The Red Bulls have also defeated Bayern Munich in a 4–2 victory as well as a 4–1 loss with FC Barcelona.

Some of the high-profile international players that played for the Metros were Roberto Donadoni, Branco, Lothar Matthäus, Adolfo Valencia, Youri Djorkaeff, and currently Claudio Reyna. The team has had its share of famous coaches as well, including Carlos Queiroz, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Bora Milutinović, as well as Bruce Arena. American stars Tony Meola, Tab Ramos, Tim Howard, Alexi Lalas (who was also the team's General Manager, for a brief time), Clint Mathis, and Eddie Pope have all played in the red and black. Currently, the team's head coach is former U.S. national team manager Bruce Arena.

The club's main rival is D.C. United, with whom they compete annually for the Atlantic Cup, a minor title instituted by the two teams' management. Other rivals are the New England Revolution and the Chicago Fire.

--Wikipedia