The New York Red Bulls face their New York rivals in a US Open Cup version of the Hudson River Derby showdown.

Along with 17 other MLS teams, the New York Red Bulls and NYCFC will play in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This highly anticipated game is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. NYCFC stands only three places and four points above RBNY in the MLS regular season.

Some Hudson River Derby History

Since NYCFC’s entry into the MLS in 2015 the Red Bulls automatically assumed the rivalry status with their New York neighbors. In 2015 NYCFC and RBNY played three times. On May 10, 2015 RBNY came away with the first ever win in a 2-1 finish. Wright-Phillips scored to goals in the victory and Mullins scored for NYCFC. This first showdown also brought over 25,000 fans to a sold out Red Bull Arena.

For the rest of 2015 the New York Red Bulls swept NYCFC in the Derby. The last two matches in 2015 resulted in a 3-1 and 2-0 win for RBNY. It was not until last year, July 2016, where NYCFC walked away with their first win.

To start, RBNY defeated NYCFC in the first match of 2016. The result was the incredible 7-0 RBNY win. To make matters worse this was at Yankee Stadium in front of over 37,000 fans. With this win, RBNY made a statement that New York was Red.

Fortunately for NYCFC, on July 3rd of last year, they came away with their first Hudson River Derby win with a score of 2-0. RBNY, however, finished off the 2016 season with a 4-1 win. The record between the two teams is currently 5W-1L in favor of the New York Red Bulls.

Can I Expect an Exciting Game on Wednesday?

What is unique about Wednesday is that this will be the first time these two teams face off in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This fourth round match is sure to be an exciting one. With every Hudson River Derby match hosted at Red Bull Arena has sold out. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as it is not often that the Arena maximizes attendance.

How Important is Wednesday’s Game?

This game is extremely important. The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is a prestigious tournament within US Soccer. Clubs from all different levels compete and various MLS teams and non-MLS teams in the past have won. RBNY, however, has never won a cup. The last time they had an opportunity was in the 2003 tournament where they fell as the Metro Stars to the Chicago Fire.

Previous winners:

  • 2010- Seattle Sounders
  • 2011- Seattle Sounders
  • 2012- Sporting Kansas City
  • 2013- D.C. United
  • 2014- Seattle Sounders
  • 2015- Sporting Kansas City
  • 2016- FC Dallas

The New York Red Bulls certainly need to win the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to solidify itself as a dominant team in MLS. While the team has won two Supporter’s Shield trophies, it has yet to win another major trophy such as the MLS Cup, US Open Cup, or the CONCACAF Champions League. This will certainly add to the history and dominance of the club. On Wednesday it will also help solidify its dominance over their Hudson River rivals, NYCFC.