September 29, 2024

New York Runs Blue After Red Bulls Drop Hudson River Derby

By Matteo Macolino

The New York Red Bulls dropped the Hudson River Derby in a one-sided match against New York City FC.  New York runs blue after a 5-1 defeat at Red Bull Arena.  

New York City wasted little time and took advantage of the Red Bulls’ errors.  Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made a costly mistake attempting a pass inside the box that was then stolen by NYCFC’s Maxi Moralez for the easy goal.  Just two minutes later, midfielder Daniel Edelman attempted a long pass back to Coronel which was intercepted for a breakaway by Alonso Martinez who found the back of the net.  

The Red Bulls found some life in the 28th minute off of a corner kick.  Lewis Morgan played a short cross to Dante Vanzeir off of a corner kick who then snuck the ball past the defenders for the goal.  This was Vanzeir’s fourth goal of the season and second in as many matches.  NYCFC scored two more quick goals before the half, taking away any hope New York had.  

Emil Forsberg made his return after months of not seeing the field due to a foot injury.  This sure wasn’t the welcome-back game he was expecting, but the club is happy to have him with the postseason approaching rapidly.  

Despite such a lopsided loss, there was some light to come out of this dark match for the Red Bulls.  Due to a 1-1 draw between the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC, New York clinched a playoff spot for the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.  The Red Bulls continue to make history as this is their 15th consecutive year making the playoffs, which is more than any professional sports team in North America.  

New York has a short week coming up as their next match will be on Wednesday, October 2 where they will travel up north to face Toronto FC.  Although the club clinched a spot in the postseason, every point will count from now on if they want to finish in the top four of the Eastern Conference.