Entering tonight’s game, New York City was bullish on their chances against the New York Red Bulls in a bonus Hudson River Derby match. The Blues have, if anything, solidified their standing as a MLS contender this season. In contrast, the Red Bulls have delivered one faltering performance after another. They’ve looked disjointed and out of sorts.
Neither team has distinguished itself in the Open Cup — the oldest American soccer competition, and the second oldest soccer cup tournament in the world. The Red Bulls came closest to winning it in 2003, when they finished as runners-up as the MetroStars.