For a decade now, the “Hudson River Derby” has been considered one of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) most intense rivalries. There is no love between the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC, only hatred.
Even before NYCFC came into MLS as an expansion side in 2015, the rivalry was building into something special. One was either a loyalist for the original 96 team in the Red Bulls, or someone that decided to switch to a squad from the city.
NYCFC is essentially “The Big Apple’s” soccer squad, one that represents the city’s five boroughs. The Red Bulls have always and will probably always be associated with the state of New Jersey. It’s basically like the New Jersey Devils vs the New York Rangers, New Jersey vs New York (minus New Jersey in the Red Bulls’ name).
The first 10 years of the rivalry have produced memorable moments for both squads. For the Red Bulls, their 7-0 demolition of NYCFC in 2016 at Yankee Stadium was one fans have cherished forever. Going back to last season though at Sports Illustrated Stadium (then Red Bull Arena), NYCFC won comfortably, 5-1.
Last season also saw the Red Bulls take down their foes in the MLS Playoffs during their run to the MLS Cup. But what about the very first contest between these clubs? What was the result and atmosphere like at Red Bull Arena on May 10, 2015?
In front of a roaring crowd of 25,217 in attendance at Red Bull Arena, the Red Bulls captured the Derby’s first victory. Club legend Bradley Wright-Phillips earned a brace vs the Cityzens, kickstarting a four-match win streak vs the team from NYC.
Looking back at who participated in the contest, diehard Red Bulls supporters will remember the names fondly: Mike Grella, Dax McCarty, Sacha Kljestan, Luis Robles, Lloyd Sam, and the aforementioned Wright-Phillips. NYCFC had their names as well including their first Designated Player in Spanish star, David Villa.
The 2015 season would turn out to be a magical season for the Red Bulls. Under former manager Jesse Marsch, New York would earn their second Supporters’ Shield for the most points in the league with 60. They would also make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, falling to the Columbus Crew, however, 1-2 on aggregate.
Traveling back to this era of Red Bulls soccer, this is one fans hope to see in the near-future. Even with their Cup run last season, it’s hard to picture that success with the current core. The results have also favored NYCFC in recent outings with them winning three out of the last four matches vs the Red Bulls.
This, though, is still one of MLS’ best rivalries by far. There may be “El Tráfico” and the “Hell is Real Derby,” but something about the “Hudson River Derby” makes it more special than the others.
It’s not quite yet up there with rivalries in the market like Yankees-Mets, but it should be. Both fanbases display tremendous passion for their teams, which only fuels the intensity they see on matchday.
With the Red Bulls still fighting for a playoff spot on Saturday, expect the fans to show up for this Derby.
