After meeting three times in the regular season, another match in the U.S. Open Cup, and even a match during the preseason, the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC have seen a lot of each other in 2017.
And it might not be over.
While the regular season New York Derby ended in it's first-ever draw on Friday night, 1-1, there's still a very real possibility the two teams meet up in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs.
"We're fully aware that if we get to the playoffs and we see them, that that will be a heavy moment for both teams," Head Coach Jesse Marsch said. "[It will be] one that both teams will be up for and an exciting proposition for the clubs and the league."
While NYCFC took the season series in 2017 for the first time, the Red Bulls bounced their rivals from Open Cup play and are now in the tournament's final on September 20.
Luis Robles hopes there's more to come between the two teams this year.
"I sure hope we see them down the road in the playoffs and I hope it’s late," Robles said. "It just adds to the excitement. With the rivalry, it continues to grow organically and there’s a lot of excitement which makes these games fun. You could feel the pulse, the environment, in the stadium, there haven’t been too many games in recent memory that have been like that."
Both teams currently sit above the red line for the playoffs, with NYCFC at 47 points through 26 games played and the Red Bulls with 39 points with 25 games played.
The Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, with postseason action kicking off October 25-26 following the close of regular season play on Sunday, Oct. 22.
