Red Bulls & New York City FC Clash Sat. Sept. 28/2024 Red Bull Arena

The New York Red Bulls will face off against New York City FC in a highly anticipated New York Derby contest on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 7 p.m. The match will take place at Red Bull Arena, Harrison’s soccer cathedral, and promises to deliver the intensity, excitement, and fierce rivalry fans have come to expect when these two teams meet.

New York City FC, a short PATH train ride away from Red Bull Arena, boasts a dedicated fan base that is expected to make the trip across the Hudson River. While the venue may provide a convenient commute for NYC FC supporters, it’s a place that has never truly felt like home for them—partly because it belongs to their biggest rival, the New York Red Bulls. There was once speculation that New York City FC could have made Red Bull Arena its own, but for fans, it was never an option. The rivalry between the two clubs runs deep, and sharing a stadium with their Metro-area nemesis was simply not feasible.

In any case, New York City FC has committed to a future home in Queens, where construction of a soccer-specific stadium is already underway. Until then, they continue to play their home games at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, an iconic baseball venue but an unconventional setting for Major League Soccer.

New York City FC, co-owned by Yankee Global Enterprises (also owners of the New York Yankees) and City Football Group (which also owns Manchester City in England), played its first Eastern Conference MLS game in 2015. Despite its relatively recent formation, the team has developed a reputation as one of the Red Bulls' most heated competitors.

Rivalry History: The New York Derby

The New York Derby, which sees the Red Bulls and New York City FC battle for supremacy, has been one of the most electrifying matchups in MLS since NYC FC entered the league. The Red Bulls, one of the original MLS clubs, dominated the early stages of this rivalry, winning five of the first six matches between the two teams. However, as NYC FC found its footing, the matches became more competitive, with each contest often going down to the wire.

What makes the rivalry special is the contrast in the clubs’ histories and philosophies. The Red Bulls, formerly the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, have long been a staple of soccer in the area. NYC FC, on the other hand, represents the newer, more cosmopolitan face of MLS, with international backing from one of the wealthiest football ownership groups in the world. This clash of cultures is reflected in the fervor of the fanbases, which leads to intense atmospheres at each Derby game.

Over the years, there have been numerous memorable moments in this rivalry, from thrilling comebacks to hard-fought draws. Both clubs have experienced highs and lows, but their matches have consistently showcased some of the best soccer in MLS, making the New York Derby a marquee event on the league’s calendar.

Current Standings

Heading into Saturday’s match, the Red Bulls sit 4th in the MLS standings with a record of 10 wins, 6 losses, and 14 ties. Meanwhile, New York City FC is positioned 7th, with 11 wins, 11 losses, and 8 ties. Both teams are fighting for favorable playoff positioning as the regular season winds down, and this Derby could be crucial in determining which side earns a higher seed.

Tickets for the match are available on Ticketmaster, and given the rivalry, a sellout crowd is expected at Red Bull Arena. NYC FC fans will likely take the PATH train to Harrison, avoiding the traffic jams that typically accompany major events. However, due to the scale of the rivalry and the influx of fans, the Harrison Police Department is expected to issue a traffic bulletin ahead of the match to ensure safety and manage the crowd effectively.

As always, the New York Derby promises drama, passion, and high-stakes soccer. With both teams pushing toward the postseason, the stage is set for yet another memorable chapter in one of MLS's most intense rivalries.

In addition to a Giveaway, which is a mystery giveaway there will be Fireworks at the end of the game.  So heads up for those with sensitive pets. Toyota is the game sponsor.

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