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Brian White (42) battles New England Revolution defender Henry Kessler (4).
(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

HARRISON, N.J. – For the third consecutive game, the Red Bulls pulled off a late goal to save themselves and gain valuable points.

Aaron Long’s goal from six yards lifted New York into a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution at Red Bull Arena Wednesday night and within a result of reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs for the 11th consecutive season.

The Red Bulls needed a loss or a draw by Inter Miami CF against FC Dallas in a game that started later on Wednesday night to reach the postseason.

In their previous two games, Brian White tallied in second-half stoppage time to boost New York from a loss to a draw and one point. On Wednesday night, they

The result boosted the Red Bulls (8-8-5, 29 points) into sixth place in the Eastern Conference over the Revs (7-6-8, 29) and to the .500 mark for the first time in almost two months.

“It just feels really good and the other guys deserve it today,” Long told MSG Networks afterwards.

Long, who scored his eighth career goal, a franchise record for a defender, had, well, a long night.

In the 48th he got an elbow to the face from New England’s Adam Buksa and he needed to be worked on by Red Bulls trainers for several minute. Buksa got a yellow card.

“I knew I was going to be all right,” Long said. “I was a little dazed to get my head back again.”

Then came the final minutes of regulation as the hosts earned a corner kick. Kaku, a second-half substitute, floated the ball into the penalty area as center back Tim Parker headed the ball to Long, who slotted the ball home past goalkeeper Matt Turner from six yards for his second goal of the season.

Long broke the Red Bulls’ record of seven goals by a defender, which he held along with former MetroStars defender Steve Jolley.

“To break a record like that, it’s always good to see the three points,” Long said.

Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara recorded the shutout.