There are plenty of MLS matches with playoff implications this weekend. There are even a handful of fixtures between regional rivals, like Quakes vs. LAFC or FC Dallas vs. Austin FC. But there is only one in which the postseason stakes are accompanied by the bragging rights of an entire metropolitan area. On Friday night, New York City FC and Red Bull New York meet again in the Hudson River Derby, bringing one of MLS’s most established local rivalries to Yankee Stadium.
The Hudson Derby
The rivalry has produced its share of memorable moments since NYCFC joined MLS in 2015. Red Bull New York won the inaugural meeting 2-1 at Red Bull Arena, with Bradley Wright-Phillips scoring twice. Wright-Phillips remains the derby’s all-time leading scorer with 12 goals, while David Villa, Taty Castellanos and other NYCFC stars have supplied plenty of counterpunches over the years. In 2024, NYCFC delivered one of the rivalry’s most emphatic results, winning 5-1 at Red Bull Arena behind two goals from Alonso MartÃnez.
Recent history has tilted toward NYCFC. The Cityzens won both regular-season meetings in 2025, including a 3-2 victory at Sports Illustrated Stadium, and then defeated the Red Bulls 3-1 in the U.S. Open Cup in April. The teams’ first MLS meeting of 2026, however, ended 1-1 in Harrison in May. Overall, Red Bull New York still holds the historical edge, entering Friday’s game with a 16-13-5 record across all competitions.
Club Form
The latest chapter comes with both clubs sitting right atop the playoff bubble. NYCFC enter the match in 8th place with 32 points. Red Bull sit two places lower and have two fewer points (30). Both have played 25 matches.
Neither team has been able to mount an effective and sustainable rhythm this season, but NYCFC have found some recent momentum. They defeated Real Salt Lake 2-0 on Sunday after a run that included three consecutive draws and a home defeat to New England. The Red Bulls arrive after ending a four-match road trip with only four points, but did earn a 1-0 victory over Columbus Crew last weekend. Ronald Donkor scored the winner in the 89th minute.
Who to Watch
One of the central figures for NYCFC is Nicolás Fernández. The Argentine attacking midfielder has emerged as the club’s leading offensive threat, with 15 goals and a team-high 45 chances created this season. Hannes Wolf and AgustÃn Ojeda have matched Fernández’s 19 total contributions, each scoring five goals so far. Veteran playmaker Maxi Morález hasn’t found the net, but continues to contribute creatively with six assists. At the other end, goalkeeper Matt Freese and captain Thiago Martins provide experience and defensive stability.
NYCFC actually made the second fewest transfers during the summer, three out and three in. They dropped $10M to sign attacker Bénie Traoré from FC Basel; he’s scored once since joining in late June. Far more impactful has been Luighi, a loanee from Palmeiras. The 20 year-old has four goals.
The Red Bulls have their own collection of offensive talents capable of changing the game. Eighteen-year-old Julian Hall leads the club with nine goals, while Jorge Ruvalcaba has added seven. Emil Forsberg remains the team’s creative centerpiece, having created 32 chances even though his goal tally is only three. But all eyes will be on the defense, who have been, to put it politely, rather crap. They’re 23rd in shots allowed (13.6), and have only recorded three shutouts (though two of those were in the past three games).
Match Details
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Broadcast: Apple TV
