NYCFC, Red Bulls renew rivalry for first time since postseason match
Share this @internewscast.com

While revenge isn’t top of mind for New York City FC’s Justin Haak, the chance to play a rival always gets the juices flowing for the midfielder.

In this case, it’s the New York Red Bulls. 

This Saturday marks another chapter in the Hudson River Derby, an event that gained intense interest last year when the two teams faced off in the playoffs for the first time.

The Red Bulls came away with the win at the time en route to their first MLS Cup Finals appearance since 2008. 

Haak commented to The Post, “I wouldn’t call it revenge, since winning this game won’t change last year’s playoff outcome; that’s history now. It’s a fresh matchup. There will be new and different players on the pitch, but our desire to win remains constant every time we face them. The emotions are always heightened in these encounters.” 

The match at Citi Field will be the first taste of the rivalry for new NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen since he took over in January. 

Speaking from NYCFC’s practice venue in Rockland County, Jansen shared similar thoughts about the heightened emotions typical of derby matches. He also mentioned the importance of the team embracing memories from previous games. 

“Thinking back and bringing up memories from games played in the past always helps — because, like you described, emotions are there, and we have to learn from those moments to be better prepared going into the next game,” he said. 

Both teams are headed into the Hudson River Derby — ironically the same weekend as the city’s two MLB teams square off in The Bronx — with an identical 5-5-3 (18 points) record, and each club is clinging to one of the final two playoff positions in the Eastern Conference. 

The match presents the sides with a chance not only to get a victory after each failed to win Wednesday, but also to springboard forward as the regular season hits its stride. 

“It’s a big chance to get that kind of elevation into the season,” Red Bulls defender Noah Eile told The Post by Phone. “If you could get a good result there, then we get a real big push, especially in such a big game for the whole club. I think that’s a great point to make that winning here can have a big impact on the rest of the season.” 

While the Red Bulls have been good at home, they’ve struggled to find wins on the road, currently 0-4-2 away from Sports Illustrated Stadium. 

New York City FC, on the other hand, has felt quite comfortable at home this year, posting a 4-2-0 record at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field combined, but are struggling to put the ball in the net. 

NYCFC has not scored in their past three matches, which include a loss in the U.S. Open Cup and two prior regular-season games. 

“I think as a team, we’re doing well to create chances,” Haak said. “We had a few opportunities. I would say maybe it’s just a little bit unlucky now, and guys are maybe thinking a little bit too much in front of the goal when you have a run like this. 

“But with the players we have, we have absolutely no doubt that the goals are going to come.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas floods kill at least 24; search for missing continues

At Least 24 Dead in Texas Floods; Search for Missing People Ongoing

The destructive force of the fast-rising waters just before dawn Friday washed…
Floods turned beloved Texas camp into a nightmare. At least 23 girls remain missing

Floods Transform Cherished Texas Camp into Tragedy: 23 Girls Still Missing

In KERRVILLE, Texas, concerned parents took to social media to desperately share…
Kerrville, Texas flooding: Camp girls missing after Guadalupe River flood waters hit Camp Mystic; at least 27 dead

Tragic Flood in Kerrville, Texas: Girls Missing from Camp Mystic After Guadalupe River Overflow; Death Toll Rises to 27

In KERRVILLE, Texas, search efforts continued Saturday as rescuers worked to locate…
'The Office' actor Craig Robinson reveals he's quitting comedy to 'focus on my true calling'

‘The Office’ Star Craig Robinson Announces Shift Away from Comedy to Pursue ‘My True Passion’

Is this a joke? Comedian Craig Robinson, best known for his role…
Chicago NASCAR race today: NASCAR Xfinity Series race The Loop 110 to take off in Grant Park Saturday; Cup Series happening Sunday

Chicago NASCAR Race Update: Xfinity Series ‘The Loop 110’ Hits Grant Park Saturday; Cup Series Scheduled for Sunday

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third NASCAR Street Race will get underway on…
Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: 'Cannot be ignored'

Fears of a Serial Killer Spread in Texas Town as Multiple Bodies Discovered in Lake: ‘We Must Pay Attention’

The mysterious circumstances surrounding a Texas lake have caused unease in the…
Tango lover sues after NYC woman claimed he spiked her drink

Tango Enthusiast Files Lawsuit After Drink-Spiking Allegation in NYC

It takes two to tango but apparently just one after-party to ruin…
Grieving Caitlyn Jenner seen for first time since tragic death of longtime friend and manager, Sophia Hutchins

Caitlyn Jenner Spotted for First Time After Heartbreaking Loss of Longtime Friend and Manager, Sophia Hutchins

Caitlyn Jenner was spotted for the first time since losing her longtime…
Mexico President Sheinbaum hopes deported boxer Chávez Jr. will serve time in Mexico

Mexican President Sheinbaum Wishes for Deported Boxer Chávez Jr. to Face Justice in Mexico

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico stated on Friday that…
Indianapolis mass shooting leaves 2 dead, several others wounded

Two Killed and Several Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting

Two people were killed in a shooting that injured at least seven…
Missouri judge again blocks many of the state's anti-abortion laws

Missouri Judge Repeatedly Blocks Several State Anti-Abortion Laws

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — On Thursday, a Missouri judge halted numerous…
Deadly social media trend threatens kids, homeowners defending themselves: 'children are going to get killed’

Dangerous Social Media Challenge Puts Kids at Risk; Homeowners Take Precautions: ‘This Could End Tragically’

Potentially dangerous social media trends are getting kids, and potentially homeowners, into…