NYCFC vs NY Red Bulls preview: The first Hudson River Derby in 2025

  • The first Hudson River Derby of the season is here
  • NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls will face off in Queens
  • Here is a preview of the match
Alonso Martínez of NYCFC
Alonso Martínez of NYCFC | Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

New York City FC has played some big games over the years. But there is one team guaranteed to be a big match no matter when or where the Pigeons play them: the New York Red Bulls. The Hudson River Derby is always an exciting battle between two teams, who frankly, do not like one another.

This weekend, NYCFC and RBNY will face off for the first time this season. Both teams have 18 points and an identical record of 5-5-3. However, the Boys in Blue have been struggling to score as of late, making this a more difficult and dangerous match for them. 

Despite the frustrating midweek draw to D.C. United, where NYCFC failed to score while performing strongly in the final third, the Pigeons can find a way to beat their rivals. All one has to do is refer to the game against FC Cincinnati. It was a 1-0 win, but the low goal count can be overlooked. The only team from the Big Apple proved they can compete with a top side and played very well. 

Still, the scoring problems have not gone away, and the red side has not struggled by any means to put the ball into the back of the net. So, here is a preview of NYCFC’s first Hudson River Derby of 2025.

NYCFC vs RBNY preview

Date

NYCFC and the Red Bulls will face one another on Saturday, May 17.

Time

The match will take place at 4:30 PM ET.

Location

Fans can watch the game in person at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, NY.

How to watch

The Hudson River Derby can be seen via the MLS Season Pass from Apple TV.

Weather

At kickoff, it will be around 78 degrees and partly cloudy. There is a slight chance of rain and 13-15 mph winds.

Injury report

Keaton Parks (leg), Malachi Jones (leg), and Kevin O’Toole (leg) are all out for the Hudson River Derby.

Players to watch

The player NYCFC fans should watch is clearly Alonso Martínez. The striker is due for a goal, for he last scored on April 26 against Toronto FC. The Pigeons desperately need him since most of the other attackers are not picking up the slack. Hopefully, he will score and then start a scoring run for the rest of his team.

Fans should also watch Carlos Coronel. The Red Bulls’ goalkeeper was a major reason why NYCFC was knocked out of the playoffs last season. If he can pick up from that match, then life will be extremely challenging for those in the final third.

Prediction

It would be great for NYCFC to suprise everyone and score multiple goals to beat the Red Bulls. Alas, based on their struggles as of late, a negative prediction is probably the right way to go. The Pigeons will lose 3-1, ending their scoreless drought but still failing to score more than one goal. Matt Freese will play well between the sticks, but his backline will fail him, leading to multiple goals.