Empire Supporters Club
First. Last. Forever.
New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC. Since 2015, the fiercest rivalry in MLS. Playoff history, legendary matches, and the battle for the city.
34 matches played through 2025 season. Updated 2026.
The Hudson River Derby takes its name from the mighty river that flows between the home stadiums of these two fierce competitors — the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, and New York City FC at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. Since May 10, 2015, this rivalry has grown into one of Major League Soccer's most intense and passionate fixtures.
What began as a clash between the MLS originals and a glitzy new expansion side backed by Manchester City and the New York Yankees has evolved into something far deeper — a battle for the very identity of New York soccer.
The inaugural Hudson River Derby at Red Bull Arena. Bradley Wright-Phillips scored twice as the Red Bulls defeated NYCFC 2–1 in front of a capacity crowd of 25,217. Despite playing the final 54 minutes with 10 men after Matt Miazga's red card, the Red Bulls held on. Wright-Phillips would go on to become the derby's all-time leading scorer with 12 goals.
The Red Bulls traveled to Yankee Stadium and silenced the crowd of 48,047 with a dramatic 3–1 comeback victory. After falling behind early to a Thomas McNamara strike, Wright-Phillips and Chris Duvall scored within five minutes of each other early in the second half to turn the tide.
The most infamous result in derby history. The Red Bulls traveled to Yankee Stadium and delivered a historic 7–0 demolition of NYCFC — the largest margin of victory in the rivalry and one of the most lopsided results in MLS history. Dax McCarty opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, Wright-Phillips bagged a brace, and the visitors celebrated a monumental victory in the Bronx.
NYCFC legend David Villa announced his arrival on the derby stage with a spectacular hat trick, leading City to a 3–2 victory at Yankee Stadium. It was a clash of titans: Villa, the Barcelona great, against Wright-Phillips, the two-time Golden Boot winner. On this night, the Spaniard reigned supreme.
The Red Bulls scored after just 65 seconds through Kaku, and less than two minutes later Florian Valot added a second. The hosts never looked back, cruising to a dominant 4–0 victory at Red Bull Arena that reminded everyone who ruled the early years of this rivalry.
Valentín "Taty" Castellanos cemented his derby legacy with a hat trick in a 5–2 NYCFC victory on a rainy night in the Bronx. The Argentine opened the scoring with a header and added two late goals to send the Cityzens home happy.
For the first time, the Hudson River Derby met in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Red Bulls hosted NYCFC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Sports Illustrated Stadium and delivered a statement 2–0 victory to advance to the Conference Final — adding playoff bragging rights to their already impressive derby résumé.
This isn't just about soccer. It's about who owns New York.
Since 1996 — the original New York MLS club. Two decades of history, the Supporters' Shield triumphs, and a fortress at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls represent the tradition, the grit, and the NJ/NY corridor that built American soccer from the ground up.
Since 2015 — the new challengers backed by global icons. NYCFC brought European pedigree, Yankee Stadium swagger, and a claim to the five boroughs. They represent the bright lights, the ambition, and the energy of the city that never sleeps.
New York is the media capital of the world. When these two clubs clash, the eyes of the soccer world turn to the Big Apple. The Hudson River Derby isn't manufactured — it's organic, born from genuine dislike and genuine pride. It's about whether you cross the river to Harrison or stay in the five boroughs. It's about whether you believe in tradition or ambition. Most importantly, it's about proving that soccer has a permanent place in America's biggest city.
Founded by the fans, for the fans. Uniting both sides of the river.
In 2019, something remarkable happened. Supporters from both sides of the rivalry came together and agreed on one thing: this derby deserves to be bigger than the scoreline.
Empire Supporters Club, Viking Army (Red Bulls supporters groups), and The Third Rail (NYCFC supporters group) announced the formation of the Hudson River Derby Foundation — modeled after the Independent Supporters Council's annual Supporters' Shield. Run entirely by volunteer supporters, the foundation's mission is to keep the Hudson River Derby focused on the competition between two New York teams and the passionate supporters who make it special.
The foundation is working to establish a permanent Hudson River Derby trophy — a symbol that both clubs and both fanbases can fight for. In 2024, supporters raised over $3,600 toward a $7,500 goal to fund the creation of the trophy. The dream lives on.
HRDF believes that a strong rivalry makes both clubs stronger. By working together on community initiatives, charity drives, and fan-led projects, supporters from both sides prove that passion for soccer transcends club allegiance.
The foundation is committed to expanding soccer's footprint across the NY/NJ metropolitan area — from youth programs to community outreach, ensuring the next generation of New Yorkers falls in love with the beautiful game.
"A rivalry that is not manufactured. The Hudson River Derby is real, it's intense, and it's driven by the fans who live and breathe it every single day." — Hudson River Derby Foundation
The Hudson River Derby isn't just about winning — it's about building something bigger.
The rivalry inspires the next generation of players and fans across New York and New Jersey. From youth academies to pickup games in Central Park and Liberty State Park, the derby gives kids heroes to look up to and dreams to chase.
HRDF and supporters groups from both clubs organize community events — charity matches, food drives, youth clinics, and neighborhood cleanups. Soccer becomes the bridge that connects communities across the metropolitan area.
When Red Bulls and NYCFC meet, national broadcasters pay attention. The Hudson River Derby puts MLS on the map in the country's largest media market, drawing new fans to the sport and raising the profile of American soccer.
New York is a city of immigrants, and both clubs reflect that diversity. The derby brings together fans from every corner of the globe — Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia — united by their love of soccer and their pride in their adopted home.
Whether you bleed red or blue, there's a place for you in this rivalry.
Nothing compares to being in the stadium when these two meet. Check the Red Bulls tickets page for upcoming Hudson River Derby fixtures.
Find TicketsFor the Red Bulls: Empire Supporters Club and Viking Army are always welcoming new members. For NYCFC: The Third Rail and other City supporters groups keep the energy high.
Join Empire SCStay connected on social media for derby news, banter, and community updates. Use #HudsonRiverDerby and #RBNYvsNYCFC to join the conversation.
Follow @NewYorkRedBulls and @NYCFC for club updates.
Have questions about HRDF, the trophy campaign, or how to get involved? Reach out.