MATCH PREVIEW, pres. by Honda: Red Bulls Welcome NYCFC to Red Bull Arena for Final Derby of Regular Season

New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC

2021 MLS Regular Season Match 29 | Red Bull Arena – Harrison, N.J.

Sunday, October 17, 2021 – 1 p.m. ET | ESPN, New York Red Bulls Radio

#RBNYvNYC

All-Time Series: Red Bulls lead, 9-6-3 | At Red Bull Arena: New York leads, 6-1-2

HARRISON, N.J. (October 16, 2021) –The New York Red Bulls (10-11-7, 37 points) welcome rival New York City FC (11-10-7, 40 points) to Red Bull Arena for the third New York Derby of the season on Sunday, October 17. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN and New York Red Bulls Radio in English and Spanish via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com. 

New York Red Bulls Radio begins at 12 p.m. ET with Countdown to Kickoff, presented by Honda, hosted by Matt Harmon and Steve Jolley. Stefano Fusaro will carry the Spanish play-by-play responsibilities, beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET.

In the last meeting between the Red Bulls and NYCFC, the Red Bulls defeated their rivals, 1-0, on September 25 at Yankee Stadium. This was the first time the Red Bulls have won at Yankee Stadium since May 21, 2016. Midfielder Omir Fernandez scored his first career MLS regular season game-winning goal. NYCFC are currently winless in their last four matches with most recently tying Nashville SC, 0-0, on October 3. 

Forward Patryk Klimala scored his eighth goal of the season in New York’s win over Inter Miami CF on October 9. This was his second game-winning goal of the season and his first career run of play goal at Red Bull Arena. During the club’s six-match unbeaten streak, Klimala has recorded three goals, which includes his game-tying goal in the 102nd minute against NYCFC on September 22. This was the latest goal scored in MLS regular-season history.

The Red Bulls have earned 10 clean sheets this season, including six at Red Bull Arena. During the Red Bulls last seven matches, they have only conceded five goals. Defender Sean Nealis has started and played every minute during the club’s unbeaten streak. He ranks seventh in recoveries (45), third in duels won (38), and first in aerials won (29) in MLS during that timespan. 

Following Sunday’s match, New York will travel to Lower.com Field for their final meeting with Columbus Crew SC on Saturday, October 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on MSG, MSG GO, and New York Red Bulls Radio in English and Spanish via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.