NYCFC crossed the Hudson to face their Jersey-dwelling foes for the 25th time in all competitions on Saturday. Given this fixture just hit the quarter-century mark, I guess it’s not that new anymore, is it?
I don’t know about you, but the rivalry’s inception in 2015 feels like it was just yesterday. Those early days of the derby were categorized by sell-out crowds, Red Bull dominance, and repeated questions regarding the legitimacy of the rivalry itself, as critics claimed that true hatred couldn’t be manufactured, but rather learned.
But after 2,250 minutes of learning each other, I think it’s safe to say this rivalry has established its legitimacy. To put it plainly, these two sides are not fond of one and other.
If you need any evidence of this, I would view the reaction to Saturday’s loss from NYCFC’s fans, players, and coaches alike. This is the most down I’ve seen the ‘City side of NY in some time.
NYCFC Players were visibly frustrated in the locker room post-match. A handful of players were having heated discussions with one and other, and those who did come to speak with media spoke somberly. Regarding the players, Head Coach Nick Cushing added, “It’s a young group, and it’s hurting inside the dressing room”.
But while players and coaches have an obligation to control their demeanor to outside world, fans certainly don’t hold that same duty. And understandably, the frustrated NYCFC faithful have been making their feelings heard in full force.
While the support in Red Bull Arena from the traveling ‘City fans was impressive, that support on-site quickly turned sour on social media following the result. This is a fan base that’s frustrated with it’s big-name players like Talles Magno, confused by the decision-making of Sporting Director David Lee, and running short on patience for Nick Cushing, with the #cushingout posts beginning to bubble up on Twitter.
But, to put a positive spin on all this, these types of losses (and this reaction to such a loss) are exactly what make a rivalry great. One-way traffic for either side is great in the moment, but does little to build up the significance of the derby over time.
When the Red Bulls won the first four meetings all-time, including the famous 0-7 drubbing at Yankee Stadium, I would argue that the rivalry lacked true character. Sure, neither side liked each other, and both wanted to be “king of New York”, but there’s no culture in such dominance without discourse.
Flash forward a few years, and that script flipped heavily in NYCFC’s favor. While more and more empty seats seemed to fill Red Bull Arena with each passing season, NYCFC finally announced plans for their own stadium within the five boroughs. Each year, City began to take more and more wins off of their cross-river rivals, and ultimately lifted the all-important MLS Cup in 2021, the very trophy the Red Bulls are still yet to win since their inception in 1994.
So while it feels like NYCFC have held all the bragging rights of late, its the Red Bulls who walk away with the bragging rights today, tomorrow, and pretty much every day until September, when these two sides meet again at Yankee Stadium. Another chapter of the rivalry written, and another twist to the plot delivered.
I asked Nick Cushing how he thought this chapter of the rivalry would be remember, to which he replied, “We’ll remember it for doing many things other than wining the football game.”
So today, it’s advantage Red Bulls. Tomorrow? I suppose that’s anyone’s guess. To me, that’s the sign of a good rivalry, and one that needs no further questions regarding its validity.