A win in Cincinnati means NYCFC would play the Red Bulls in the playoffs

New York City FC is still alive in the playoffs after their 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati on Saturday. The team from Queens put on a fantastic performance after struggling offensively in the first match of the Round One Best-of-3 series. The team lost 1-0 despite having a decent defensive game. The scoring struggles seen previously on the road returned in full force, which is why they lost.

Now, NYCFC has to return to Ohio for the third and final game. The Pigeons have beaten the Orange and Blue twice this season after last winning in 2021, which gives fans some hope. However, they have still struggled at TQL Stadium, especially this year.

NYCFC has extra inspiration to move on in the playoffs

There may be an incentive though for the team to do everything in their power to win away from home. The New York Red Bulls shocked Major League Soccer when they won the second match in their Best-of-3 series. The New Jersey side won the first two games against the Columbus Crew, causing the second postseason upset.

As such, NYCFC will want to win the final fixture for two reasons. The first one is obvious. The Bronx team does not want to see their rivals move on in the playoffs. Then, they do not want to hear the Red Bulls talk about them not making it if they fail to do so. Moreover, the blue team has had more success in the playoffs since joining MLS in 2015. Sure, the fans can always flash the MLS Cup from 2021, but there is always the desire to be the better team.

In addition, there is another reason that would be for the supporters of both teams. If NYCFC moves on in the playoffs, then the next round would see the first-ever Hudson River Derby in the postseason.

The possibility of a derby should inspire everyone to fight and play the way they played last weekend. Supporters of the teams would love this. It could also be a hot game to watch for other MLS fans. Everyone loves a good rivalry game, so why not the Hudson River Derby?

To make it more enticing, NYCFC would host the match since they finished in sixth place and the Red Bulls in seventh. It would be only one fixture, which in truth, is how the first round should be. Or, at the very least, it could be two legs. Yes, the Pigeons would have been eliminated if the first round was just one match. But most fans in the league would prefer that over the Best-of-3 series.

Regardless of the format, a Hudson River Derby in the MLS Cup Playoffs would be amazing. Fans could imagine the battle. The Red Bulls would want revenge after NYCFC embarrassed them in the last derby, while the Pigeons would want to recapture the 5-1 win. So, hopefully, the Boys in Blue will win this Saturday to play in a Hudson River Derby playoff game.