NYCFC vs RBNY: 3 players that can lead the Pigeons to a Hudson River Derby win

The last time New York City FC faced the New York Red Bulls was back in May. The Pigeons were in the middle of their five-game winning streak and playing well. They also got results in the not-so-pretty fixtures, including this Hudson River Derby. Hannes Wolf and Mounsef Bakrar led the Boys in Blue to a 2-1 win and the right to declare that New York is blue.

This time, NYCFC enters the Hudson River Derby in the middle of a nine-game winless steak. The team desperately needs a win, and they might be able to achieve this over the RBNY. But who can lead the team to all three points and the season sweep over the rivals?

Here are three players fans should watch during the September Hudson River Derby that can lead NYCFC to a win.

NYCFC players to watch in Saturday's derby

James Sands

The previous weekend, James Sands had a fantastic performance against Inter Miami CF. The midfielder was vital to the defense, for he helped limit the Herons' opportunities to score. More importantly, he scored the tying goal, which was also his first goal with NYCFC.

His performance will hopefully lead to a spark for NYCFC and Sands. It would not be shocking for the player to move forward more, but he should continue to act as defensive help for the backline. If the Homegrown player plays similarly to the Miami match, then he should be a difference-maker.

Maxi Moralez

Maxi Moralez is an easy answer for players who could lead NYCFC to a win this weekend. The Argentine always enhances the midfield when he plays, improving passes and the way the Bronx team moves up the pitch. He is an offensive threat when it comes to assists and scoring.

Nick Cushing must start the NYCFC legend against the Red Bulls. The team needs to play the best Starting XI since the teams are so close in the Eastern Conference standings, separated by three points. Moralez can be the calming force on the roster that dictates the pace of play and tempo of the match. More importantly, his genius passes might make the difference of whether the Pigeons leave with all three points.

Hannes Wolf

It is easy to include Wolf on this list since he did score in the last Hudson River Derby. However, his last goal was July 20. Nevertheless, Hannes has been a welcoming addition this season. There is a reason Cushing cannot replace him in the right-wing spot, for he consistently does well.

Notably, he has not registered an assist since July 6. He still plays at a top level in every match, moving the ball up the pitch and creating chances. His presence on the right side of the attack can increase the threat of NYCFC. At the same time, he is due for a goal or assist, so that hunger, plus the Hudson River Derby, might equal the perfect driving combination.