HARRISON – The New York Red Bulls (12-13-7) are closer to being eliminated from playoff contention following their 3-2 defeat to New York City FC (17-10-5) on Saturday. NYCFC earned the season sweep over their rivals in another thrilling chapter of the “Hudson River Derby.”
For all intents and purposes, the Red Bulls’ record 15-year playoff streak is finished. With very few chances left to make a statement, the Red Bulls dropped points in front of an emphatic home crowd. Even with the presence of former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp in the building, that still wasn’t enough for the Red Bulls.
For fans of the home side, this was not the result they wanted. For neutrals and NYCFC supporters, it was an excellent back-and-forth contest that displayed why this Derby is one of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) best rivalries.
Two minutes into the game, NYCFC midfielder Nicolás Fernández netted the match’s first goal, making it 1-0 for the away side early on. The Red Bulls, however, would respond in the 23rd minute when youngster Julian Hall scored off a great feed from forward Eric Choupo-Moting. It would be leveled at one following the goal from the young forward.
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NYCFC then answered again when midfielder Andrés Perea headed in an unbelievable shot to make it 2-1 in the 26th minute.
Entering the second half, with the season essentially in the balance, the Red Bulls needed to equalize the match. In came captain Emil Forsberg, who’s had memorable moments all season long for the club. In the 47th minute, Forsberg found the back of the net and tied the match at two.
CAPTAIN STEPPING UP ‼️ #RBNY 🔴 @Audi pic.twitter.com/MAkNcR1y6u
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) September 28, 2025
But like every other response from NYCFC after conceding a goal, “the Cityzens” would not be denied again. When the 65th minute arrived, NYCFC said hello to the lead again. Off a strong free kick, NYCFC defender Thiago Martins smashed a goal past Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel to make it 3-2.
After a physical and demanding match, one that saw 28 total fouls and five yellow cards, NYCFC made Sports Illustrated Stadium blue. In what has been the Red Bulls’ favorite place to play all season, it was a house full of nightmares on Saturday.
“We tried everything,” Red Bulls manager Sandro Schwarz said after the game. “To be honest, we tried everything.”
For the Red Bulls, Tuesday could be a miserable day for them if the worst-case scenario occurs. With Chicago Fire FC defeating Columbus Crew on Saturday, their Tuesday match vs Inter Miami CF could end New York’s long postseason streak. If the Fire were to upend Miami and get the win, that would do it for the Red Bulls.
For Red Bulls fans, the possibility of seeing their squad being eliminated is inevitable at this point. With two matches remaining for New York, it might be time to reset and prepare for a long offseason ahead. Next up for New York is a contest against FC Cincinnati.
Kickoff for the Red Bulls’ contest vs Cincinnati is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 4 on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
