It is once again derby season in the MLS only this time, the two storied rivals will meet in the playoffs for the first-ever postseason New York Derby. Here’s a look into the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs between the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC.
The Red Bulls are back in the semifinal match for the first time since 2018 after pulling off a major upset against the defending champions Columbus Crew. Despite making the playoffs for 15 years straight, New York has struggled to make it past the first round in recent years, seeming stuck in a routine.
Both New York teams will be meeting for the 30th time, with the Red Bulls holding a 15-10-4 mark over their rival across the river. With this being the first-ever playoff meeting between the two clubs, it’s sure to be an intense match. The last New York Derby did not go well for the Red Bulls as they were handed a 5-1 loss at home. NYCFC also won the other derby earlier in the season at Yankee Stadium, giving both clubs a 2-2-1 record in the last five derbies.
A key to success in this match is going to be consistency on all sides of the ball. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel has been nearly unstoppable this playoff run and will need to continue that display. The Paraguayan keeper recorded 10 saves in the two matches against Columbus and some key saves made in penalties during Game Two, which advanced New York. Coronel currently is tied for fifth among keepers in the MLS Playoffs in saves and has recorded six clean sheets against NYCFC in his career.
Another piece of the Red Bulls’ puzzle to watch for is captain Emil Forsberg. Since coming back from injury late in the season, the Swedish international has put a spark into the club and supporters saying, “Why not us” referring to the doubts that New York wouldn’t make it far in the playoffs, especially after being seeding lower than expected. Forsberg recorded a goal and an assist in the Red Bulls clinching win during the first round and also scored one of the five PK goals to officially seal it.
The Red Bulls had a good three weeks off following their first-round victory to prepare for the upcoming semifinals. Although three weeks is a considerable gap between rounds, New York is sharp, focused, and ready to make a statement against NYCFC.
The match will be on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Citi Field. Despite the match happening in Queens, NY with NYCFC as the home club, expect a sea of red in the stands chanting “Why not us!” making it feel like a home match for the Red Bulls.
