SLOW STARTER, GREAT FINISHER: Wright-Phillips is off to another so-so start, but he has proven to have the finishing touch

Bradley Wright-Phillips has gotten off to one of his patented slow starts. (Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports)

By Michael Lewis

Front Row Soccer Editor

If history is any indication, then the rest of Major League Soccer should brace itself for a Bradley Wright-Phillips goal-scoring explosion any game now.

The Red Bulls’ all-time goal-scorer has a history of slow starts and great finishes — in quality and quantity.

The 2017 MLS season has gone true to form as the 32-year-old Englishman has only one goal in four games.

That doesn’t deviate from other so-so beginnings:

* 2014 — One goal in seven games

* 2015 — Two goals in six matches

* 2016 — No goals in seven contests

Of course, there is a tonic just right around the corner in the Houston Dynamo, which the Red Bulls visit Saturday night.

BWP has feasted on the Dynamo for years, connecting for six goals and two assists in seven matches.

When his history with the Dynamo was brought up earlier this week, Wright-Phillips jokingly said: “Don’t jinx it!”

“I’ve been lucky enough to have [scored] against them, but it’s a totally different game, different team,” he added. “I’m sure it’ll be tough.”

When Bradley Wright-Phillips converted a hat-trick against the Houston Dynamo on April 23, 2014

Video courtesy of Red Bulls Facebook page

Of course, there is a flip side to all of Wright-Phillip’s stumbling starts — his ability to get hot during the rest of the season.

So, subtracting those three starts, here is how he has fared the rest of the season:

* 2014 — 26 goals in 25 games for a total of 27

* 2015 — 15 goals in 28 appearances for a total of 17

* 2016 — 24 goals in 27 matches for a total of 24

The 2017 season? To be determined

Bradley Wright-Phillips talks about his contract extension

Video Courtesy of Red Bulls Facebook page

Here is BWP’s game-by-game log of his Red Bulls career, courtesy of MLS: