Red Bulls, NYCFC Set for Highly Anticipated US Open Cup Clash

The Hudson River Derby rivals will meet in the Round of 16 on April 29 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:35am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the intense action and rivalry of a soccer match between the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors.The Hudson River Derby rivalry between the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC will reach a fever pitch in their upcoming U.S. Open Cup showdown.NYC Today

New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls will face off in the Round of 16 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on April 29 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Both teams easily advanced from the previous round, with NYCFC defeating USL League One side Westchester SC 5-2 and the Red Bulls topping USL Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds 3-1.

Why it matters

The Hudson River Derby is one of the most intense rivalries in American soccer, with the two New York-area clubs battling for local bragging rights. This U.S. Open Cup matchup will add extra intensity to the rivalry, as the teams compete for a spot in the quarterfinals of the prestigious national tournament.

The details

This will be the fourth time the Red Bulls and NYCFC have faced off in the U.S. Open Cup, with the Red Bulls winning all three previous matchups and outscoring NYCFC 8-0. The winner of this Round of 16 clash will advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

  • The match is scheduled for April 29 at 7 p.m.
  • The teams will also meet in MLS regular season play on May 16.

The players

Michael Bradley

Head coach of the New York Red Bulls.

Maxi Moralez

Midfielder for New York City FC.

Emil Forsberg

Midfielder for the New York Red Bulls.

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What they’re saying

“We are really excited. I've watched the New York Derby from afar. I was at the game here last season, and so I think it speaks for itself in terms of the two clubs and everything that it means when two teams in the same city now play and are ready to go after each other.”

— Michael Bradley, Head coach, New York Red Bulls

What’s next

The winner of the April 29 match will advance to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated U.S. Open Cup clash between the Red Bulls and NYCFC will add another chapter to the intense Hudson River Derby rivalry, as the two New York clubs battle for local supremacy and a spot in the national tournament's quarterfinals.