Sep 28, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York City FC forward Alonso Martinez (16) scores a goal against New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel (31) during the first half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
A 2024 MLS Cup second-round playoff tie arrives in the form of the most crucial Hudson River Deby in New York soccer history. New York City FC (NYCFC) host the New York Red Bulls at Citi Field on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET.Â
It will be the first Hudson River playoff derby in its eight-year history and the 30th iteration, in which the Red Bulls hold a 15-10-4 record advantage over their crosstown rivals. This season, NYCFC holds onto the Hudson River derby trophy after doing the double over the Red Bulls. In May, Monsef Bakrar scored the winner to decide a 2-1 match in Flushing, and a 5-1 demolition in Sept. in New Jersey ensured the Big Apple was blue.
The Red Bulls had been in a rut of form in the second half of the season, winning three in 18 matches and falling to seventh from a fourth position that looked solidified before June. They haven’t made it past the first round since 2018.Â
Head coach Sandro Schwarz and his team pulled off an upset, though, defeating Columbus in two games: a 1-0 win in Ohio and a 2-2 result, which RBNY won 5-4 in the penalty shootout.Â
Carlos Coronel made three successive saves to deny the Crew’s last three takers to complete the upset over the MLS Cup reigning champions and win man of the match. Coronel also made a playoff club-record eight saves in Game 1 to keep his fifth clean sheet in the MLS and deny Cucho Hernandez. He scored 19 goals in the season and was nominated for the MLS Player of the Year award alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.Â
Schwarz ensured his side remained organized and was more than happy for his opponents to have the ball. The Red Bulls sat deep and frustrated the Crew, and when the ball was won, looking to immediately play it to…
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