NYCFC v NY Red Bulls: Hudson River Derby Returns Sat. 9/27/25 to SIS

Sep 24, 2025

The Hudson River Derby reignites this Saturday, September 27, 2025, when New York City FC faces off against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and fans from both sides of the Hudson are expected to pack the stands for one of Major League Soccer’s most heated rivalries.

Rivalry and Stadium Dynamics

This match carries more than just playoff implications—it touches on the unique stadium rivalry between the clubs. The Red Bulls proudly call Sports Illustrated Stadium their home, while NYCFC has long resisted labeling it the same. For years, NYCFC has split its home fixtures between Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. However, scheduling conflicts often force the club across the river to Harrison. NYCFC’s long-term solution is now in progress: a new, permanent home stadium in Queens, which will end the need to share facilities with their fiercest rivals.

Derby History and Current Form

Saturday’s clash will mark the 27th all-time regular season meeting between the Red Bulls and NYCFC. The rivalry is as balanced as it gets, with both clubs tied in the series at 11 wins apiece and four draws. Every derby has carried its own storyline, and this one is shaping up to be just as memorable.

The Red Bulls enter the match on the back of a 2-0 win over CF Montréal, where captain Emil Forsberg reached a milestone with his 10th assist of the season. Forsberg became just the fifth player in franchise history to record double-digit goals and assists in one MLS campaign, joining an elite group last matched by Thierry Henry in 2014. The Red Bulls have also been formidable at home, posting a 3-0-2 record in their last five matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

NYCFC, meanwhile, arrives in excellent form, having won six of their last seven MLS matches. Their resurgence over the summer has put them firmly in the playoff mix and adds even more intensity to an already fiery showdown.

Current Standings

As of September 25, 2025, both the Red Bulls and NYCFC remain firmly in the hunt for postseason spots. The Red Bulls have held steady in the middle of the Eastern Conference table thanks to consistency at home, while NYCFC’s hot streak has vaulted them into contention after a slow start. The result of Saturday’s derby could play a key role in shaping the playoff race.

Fan Experience and Giveaways

Adding to the derby atmosphere, supporters will receive a free T-shirt giveaway at the gates. With thousands of fans expected, the promotion is likely to turn the stands into a sea of blue and red. Alongside the giveaways, chants, banners, and rivalry energy, fans can expect one of the most electric environments of the season.

Harrison Police Department Advisory

The Harrison Police Department is expected to issue a Red Bull Arena Traffic Bulletin ahead of the match. These advisories typically outline temporary road closures, parking restrictions, and pedestrian safety measures to accommodate the large crowds. Residents near Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard, Cape May Street, and the PATH Station should prepare for heavier-than-usual congestion before and after the game.

A Derby with High Stakes

Beyond the history and promotions, this match is about pride and playoff positioning. For NYCFC, earning three points in Harrison would continue their late-season surge while symbolizing their march toward independence with their future Queens stadium. For the Red Bulls, protecting their home turf against their fiercest rival is always the priority.

Sidebar: NYCFC’s Future Home in Queens

Location: Willets Point, Queens, New York
Capacity: Approximately 25,000 seats
Opening Year: Projected for 2027
Significance: NYCFC’s first permanent home will provide long-awaited stability and eliminate scheduling conflicts. The stadium anchors a broader redevelopment in Willets Point, which will include housing, retail, and entertainment spaces.

📣 Tell us what you think on our Community Discussion Board. Not a member yet? Sign up today and be part of the conversation. It's a Free Membership.