Hudson River Derby Head to Head | New York City FC vs New York Red Bulls History and Stats

Introduction to derby

The Hudson River Derby is Major League Soccer’s most intense metropolitan rivalry new
York City FC against him New York Red Bulls across the Hudson in a clash defined by identity, culture and contrasting soccer philosophies. Since its first meeting in May 2015, the derby has become one of MLS’s flagship events, combining high-tempo pressure, emotional atmospheres and frequent disciplinary tipping points. Games have been held at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, each venue bringing a different edge to a rivalry shaped by both geography and athletic ambition.

All-time head-to-head record

Of all the competitive races, the Hudson River Derby has it
produced a clear but fluctuating pattern of dominance. The Red Bulls settled down
early control in the rivalry’s formative years, while NYCFC have done so consistently
closed the gap, especially in regular-season MLS play early on
2020s All-time figures below reflect league, playoff and cup fixtures
combined ((ca.wikipedia.org)(

The totals underline the Red Bulls’ all-time lead, boosted
largely due to its pressure-dominated supremacy between 2015 and 2018, inclusive
the infamous 7-0 win in 2016. NYCFC’s resurgence from 2022, however,
has rebalanced the rivalry, with league meetings now much closer than the
the general record suggests. ((ca.wikipedia.org)(

Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)

Recent meetings show a rivalry that has moved forward decisively
NYCFC in league play, marked by high-scoring games and spectacular momentum
turns When verifiable data is not available, results are marked as N/A a
avoid speculation. ((newyorkcityfc.com)(

The pattern reveals a clear tilt of the site in recent seasons, with
NYCFC increasingly comfortable beating Harrison. Late goals, set pieces
swings and aggressive midfield duels have become defining traits, while
Discipline remains a recurring subplot in closely contested matches.
((hudsonriverblue.com)(

Key players and rivalries by era

Founding era (2015-2017)

The first years of the derby were marked by the relentlessness of the Red Bulls
press against NYCFC’s star-driven possession game. bradley
Wright-Phillips emerged as a defining figure, exploiting the space
behind the NYCFC backline, while Dax
McCarthy dictated rhythm For City, David Villa brought forward
responsibility, supported by the deep distribution of Andrea Pirlo, often
under intense pressure.

Notable duels included Wright-Phillips vs. Jason Hernandez
moments of transition, McCarty vs. Pirlo in central control and Villa vs
Damien Perrinelle in the penalty fights that often decided
results

Era of Transition (2018-2021)

This period saw NYCFC grow tactically, with Max
morally i Alexander
ring providing balance, while the Red Bulls backed up Daniel
Royer and Aaron Long. The matches became tighter, with fewer hits
and more emphasis on midfield and defensive structure
organization

Key rivalries included Royer vs Anton
Tinnerholm by the side, Ring vs sean
Davis in competitions with the ball, and confrontations between goalkeepers
Louis
oak trees i sean
Johnson in high pressure finishes.

Modern Era (2022-present)

The modern Hudson River Derby reflects NYCFC’s pedigree. daddy
Castilians set the tone before leaving, with Alonso
Martinez, Max
morallyi Thiago
Martins anchoring the latest successes. For the Red Bulls, Emil
from Forsberg arrival creativity added, supported by Charles
of Colonel stop-stop and the width of John Tolkin.

Featured duels include Forsberg vs James
sands between the lines, Martínez vs sean
Neal in physical central battles, and Tolkin vs Tayvon
gray in broad, high-energy matches.

This cross-era view highlights how leadership, tactical adjustment and
stylistic clashes have consistently defined individual influence on the
derby, often surpassing the pure form. ((hudsonriverblue.com)(

Detailed H2H analysis

The Hudson River Derby stat arc shows the first Red Bulls
mastery rooted in urgent efficiency and transitory cruelty,
followed by gradual control of NYCFC by improving the team’s balance and play
management Although cup competitions have tended to favor the Red Bulls,
Regular season league meetings now tilt towards City, especially away from
home This division emphasizes how they have context, place and tactical approach
they shaped the results more than mere historical impulse.
((ca.wikipedia.org)(

Key statistics and performance data

The derby statistics reinforce the volatility and excitement of the rivalry
edge, with several metrics highlighted throughout the series.
((hudsonriverblue.com)(

• The average goals per game is around 2.7, reflecting the opening,
  heavy transition football.
• More than 40 different scorers underline the extent of the responsibility
  beyond star names.
• Clean sheets are relatively rare, which point to attack
  risk taking
• Disciplinary incidents are above the league average, reflecting this
  derby atmosphere

Memorable matches and iconic moments

Several events have come to define the Hudson River Derby’s
narrative, each adding layers to its growing mythology.
((theguardian.com)(

• 21 May 2016 – Red Bulls 7-0 NYCFC: The Most Unbalanced Rivalry
  result
• Jul 03, 2016 – NYCFC 2-0 Red Bulls: The City’s First Derby
  win
• 2021 MLS Playoffs – Red Bulls 1–0 NYCFC: Playoff heartbreak
  city
• 2024 – Red Bulls 1–5 NYCFC: The biggest derby win in the city.
• 27 September 2025: Red Bulls 2–3 NYCFC: Dramatic late changes
  Harrison.
• Multiple seasons: Regular season sweeps that changed momentum
  decidedly

Evolution of the rivalry

From an initially one-sided contest to a finely balanced modern one
rivalry, the Hudson River Derby has mirrored MLS’ own tactics and culture
growth The early contrasts between pressure and possession have evolved into
nuanced depth battles, rotation and game state control. Like both clubs
continue to redefine themselves, the derby remains a barometer of supremacy
to New York soccer, with each chapter adding fresh intensity instead of
settle old accounts. ((ca.wikipedia.org)(

Frequently asked questions

When was the first Hudson River Derby
played?

The first competitive meeting took place on May 10
2015

Who has more victory in the
derby?

The new
York Red Bulls hold the all-time edge in total
victories

Who is the top scorer in the
rivalry?

bradley
Wright-Phillips leads all players in derby goals.

What is the greatest victory of the
derby?

The Red Bulls’ 7-0 win in May 2016 remains the biggest
margin

He has improved NYCFC in recent years
years?

Yes, NYCFC has taken control of the recent regular season
meetings

Are playoff meetings common?

Playoff matchups are rare and add extra weight when they do
they occur