Hudson River Derby renews on Sunday night

The fifth year of the New York Red Bulls’ and New York City FC’s battle for New York has finally come along, as this Sunday, Red Bull Arena will host the opening match.

Since the beginning, the Red Bulls have had the advantage on the upstarts from the Bronx, as they have won the series three times out of four. The historical seven goals to nil match at Yankee Stadium still stands out among the 14 meetings. Other highlights include two straight years of U.S. Open Cup wins for New York and a four goals to nil win in league play last May.

The man who has scored the most goals against City FC is none other than Bradley Wright-Phillips. He has single-handedly taken down the blue side by scoring 12 times in 12 matches, including four two-goal games.

“I think, because it’s a Derby, we play like we can’t be defeated,” BWP said. I’m not sure, it’s obviously a Derby match and the more I’m excited the more I progress. I am fortunate enough to have things go my way, the ball seems to drop in the right place. I don’t do anything different when I’m out there.”

Aaron Long returned from Gold Cup duty with the U.S. Men’s National Team, joining the rest of his teammates who represented their respective nations and returned prior to the Atlanta United match. How is he feeling about this big time match up you ask?

“You just know that you’re up for it, they will be up for it, and the fans will be invested in it,” Long said. “So, you know it’s going to be a big game and you need to be ready to play. It’s two teams in New York, it's the New York Derby.

“We are super excited to get out there and play it. We will have some high moments in this, there will be some low moments in this, but we are super excited to play in this one coming up.”

Since Chris Armas took over the reigns as the head coach last season, his first match was at Yankee Stadium against this club and it was a one-goal loss in which the lone goal fell within the last five minutes of regulation.

Currently, Armas’ record against New York City FC in two games is a loss and a draw, but the second-year manager is not making the Derby more than it is: one game.

“Where I come in is, I take every time I step on the field in competition personal in terms of taking pride in what I’m doing, never to give in and always want to win, but this is about the New York Red Bulls and I am a part of that,” Armas said.

“If we win on Sunday, it’s three points for our club, and I will be thrilled to lead the charge for that, not for personal pride.”

After a quiet week following the bonanza last Sunday, the Hudson River Derby is sure to be loud and proud, and, as always, the intensity will be on point.