New York City Football Club will host Red Bulls in the Hudson River Derby this weekend.
The Boys in Blue return to action in a 3:30pm ET kick-off at Yankee Stadium.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford…
Derby Day
The Red Bulls will make the trip across the Hudson River on Saturday to face NYCFC at Yankee Stadium.
It’s been clear from NYCFC’s last two outings that games in the Bronx add an extra dimension to the team’s play. The backing of a raucous home crowd spur the group on and give them a clear advantage.
Derby games by their very definition can be tense and tight affairs. The emotion of the occasion can sometimes play a huge factor. As fans, you’ve consistently made Yankee Stadium a fortress and countless visiting teams have spoken about how difficult it is to play there.
A repeat performance on Saturday could set the perfect foundation for another Derby Day success.
Follow Up
A two week international break will now give way to the resumption of the MLS Regular Season.
The City Boys will embark on a road trip south to the state of Florida after their Hudson River Derby duties. Orlando City SC await on Wednesday, before they return home to host Toronto FC next Saturday.
This busy period will be an important three game stretch in the playoff race, and Nick Cushing will be aiming for nine points from the trio of games. When embarking on a busy schedule it is important to rely on every member of the squad.
Starting that run with a win in the Hudson River Derby would be the perfect momentum building result.
Close The Gap
NYCFC know exactly what they’re aiming for this season.
CF Montréal and D.C. United inhabit the final two playoff places in the Eastern Conference with 35 and 34 points respectively. A victory on Saturday would put NYCFC a point behind United before they take on Charlotte FC later in the day.
Red Bulls sit just below NYCFC and will have their own motivations for taking three points on Saturday. While derby games are often defined, narratively, as games that are about pride and bragging rights, this particular edition, holds vital importance because of the three points and what that does for both teams playoff hopes.
Sign-up for MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app - and never miss a moment of the 2023 season. Stream every regular-season, playoff, and Leagues Cup match. Every Screen. No Blackouts.
