Red Bulls Secure Eastern Conference Final Spot with 2-0 Victory Over NYCFC

Queens, NY—The New York Red Bulls won the first-ever postseason Hudson River Derby, held Saturday night at Citi Field, by a decisive 2-0 margin over their rivals, New York City FC (NYCFC). The victory propels the Red Bulls into their first Eastern Conference Final since 2018, marking a dramatic turnaround for the team this postseason.

The Red Bulls took control early, with Felipe Carballo unleashing a stunning 25-yard strike in the 16th minute, followed by Dante Vanzeir’s opportunistic finish nine minutes later. Despite a second-half surge from NYCFC, the Red Bulls’ solid defensive effort preserved the two-goal advantage and silenced the home crowd.

“What a great performance today,” Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz said after the match. “In the first half, our offensive play was excellent. In the second half, it was all about our defensive resilience and teamwork.”

The loss marks a disappointing end for NYCFC, who had defeated the Red Bulls in both regular-season meetings this year but struggled to find their rhythm in the semifinals. Despite several clear chances, they failed to convert, frustrating their fans and players.

A Tale of Two Halves

The match began with both teams needing help to create clear opportunities. NYCFC’s Justin Haak made a critical defensive stop to deny Vanzeir an early goal, while Sean Nealis responded at the other end, halting Alonso Martinez’s run toward the goal.

Carballo broke the deadlock with an unexpected long-range strike, curling a left-footed shot into the top corner past NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese. Just minutes later, Vanzeir extended the lead, poking in a goal after a scramble in the box from Emil Forsberg’s corner.

NYCFC had opportunities to respond, with Martinez failing to capitalize on two golden chances before halftime. The Costa Rican striker’s misfires and the Red Bulls’ disciplined defending left the hosts trailing as the first half closed.

The second half saw NYCFC ramp up their efforts, coming close to narrowing the deficit on multiple occasions. The Red Bulls’ goalkeeper, Carlos Coronel, made a crucial save to deny Martinez, while Keaton Parks squandered a free header from close range.

A collision between Haak and Nealis midway through the second half disrupted NYCFC’s momentum, with Nealis leaving the field after sustaining a head injury. NYCFC continued to press in the closing stages, launching cross after cross into the Red Bulls’ penalty area but failed to find the back of the net.

A Redemption Run

The Red Bulls’ victory continues their impressive postseason resurgence. After winning just three of their final 18 regular-season matches, they have knocked out both Columbus Crew and NYCFC, earning their spot in the Eastern Conference Final. They will face the winner of the Orlando City vs. Atlanta United match.

“What a feeling,” said Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg. “I’m proud of how we performed. This wasn’t an easy match, but we showed our mentality as a team. Winning the first Hudson River Derby in the playoffs is an amazing accomplishment.”

As the final whistle blew, the “New York Red” chants echoed throughout Citi Field, signaling a monumental night for the Red Bulls and their fans.

“We are very happy and satisfied,” Schwarz concluded. “But we have to maintain this level heading into the next game.”

With momentum on their side, the Red Bulls are now just one step away from reaching the MLS Cup Final.