New York Red Bulls Defeat New York City FC 2-0 in Eastern Conference Semifinals
Queens, NY — The New York Red Bulls gained the ultimate bragging rights with a 2-0 win over New York City FC (NYCFC) in the Eastern Conference semifinals at Citi Field in the first-ever postseason Hudson River Derby on Saturday night.
A Dominant First Half
A stunning 25-yarder from Felipe Carballo and Dante Vanzeir’s poked finish gave the Red Bulls a two-goal advantage after 25 minutes, with the visitors surviving a second-half onslaught to reach the Eastern Conference final next weekend.
Red Bulls’ Defense Shines
NYCFC, who won both of the regular-season meetings between the two teams this season, often looked short of ideas in attack and failed to convert a series of gilt-edged opportunities in what is a disappointing end to their season. The Red Bulls, on the other hand, can now look forward to a meeting with the winners of Orlando City and Atlanta United next weekend after a sensational turnaround in form in the playoffs.
Post-Match Reaction
"What a great performance today," Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz said. "In the first half, we had very good offensive behavior. In the second half, it was more our defensive quality and to fight and help each other."
Captain Emil Forsberg Praises Team Effort
"What a feeling," Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg said. "Proud, first of all, of this team. I’m proud of how we delivered this match. It wasn’t an easy one… It wasn’t a beautiful one, but we took our chances, showed mentality as a team… An amazing victory. Happy to win the first Hudson River Derby in the playoffs, as well."
Match Highlights
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances early on, with defenses very much on top in the early stages. NYCFC’s Justin Haak made a crucial goal-saving tackle to deny Vanzeir from converting from close range after eight minutes, before Sean Nealis was on hand to deny Alonso Martinez as he raced through on goal at the other end five minutes later.
Red Bulls Take Control
In an opening quarter starved of any real chances, it was hardly surprising that the opener came out of nothing. Vanzeir rose highest to beat James Sands to a looping ball outside the NYCFC penalty box and found Carballo in space. The midfielder let fly from 25 yards out, beating Matt Freese all ends up with a fiercely-struck left-footed shot to the top corner to give Red Bulls the lead after 16 minutes.
Second Half Struggles
NYCFC struggled to create for the remainder of the half, with Red Bulls’ two-goal advantage sucking the life out of the Citi Field crowd. There was time for Martinez to spurn one more golden opportunity when the Costa Rican striker failed to properly connect with a Wolf cross deep into first-half stoppage time.
Conclusion
The Red Bulls can now look forward to a meeting with the winners of Orlando City and Atlanta United next weekend after a sensational turnaround in form in the playoffs. This is their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Final since 2018.
FAQs
Q: What was the score in the match?
A: New York Red Bulls won 2-0 against New York City FC.
Q: Who scored the goals for the Red Bulls?
A: Felipe Carballo and Dante Vanzeir scored the goals for the Red Bulls.
Q: What was the significance of the match?
A: The match was the first-ever postseason Hudson River Derby and a crucial Eastern Conference semifinal match.
Q: What’s next for the Red Bulls?
A: The Red Bulls will face the winners of Orlando City and Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference Final.
