Red Bull New York claimed the New York derby bragging rights on Friday night, grinding out a 1-0 Major League Soccer victory over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.
Julian Hall delivered the decisive moment in the 57th minute, scoring the only goal of a tense, physical fixture to send the visitors away with all three points. Red Bull New York made their limited attacking opportunities count, while NYCFC were left to rue an inability to turn territorial control into an equaliser.
Hall breaks the deadlock after even first half
The sides went into the interval level at 0-0 following a combative opening 45 minutes. Red Bull New York’s Adri Mehmeti was booked in the sixth minute, with Cade Cowell joining him in the referee’s notebook in the 22nd. NYCFC defender Nico Cavallo received a yellow card in the 30th minute, before Mohammed Sofo was cautioned five minutes before half-time.
NYCFC had more of the ball throughout the match, finishing with 62.9 percent possession and 16 shots. But the hosts could not find the final touch needed to reward their pressure.
The breakthrough arrived 12 minutes after the restart. Following an Aiden O’Neill booking for NYCFC in the 55th minute, Julian Hall scored in the 57th minute to put Red Bull New York in front. It was the visitors’ lone shot on target, and it proved enough.
NYCFC pressure falls short
New York City FC continued to push after falling behind, recording four shots on target and six corners. Red Bull New York, who earned seven corners of their own, defended their narrow lead and absorbed the hosts’ late pressure.
The numbers underlined NYCFC’s frustration: they outshot Red Bull New York 16-10 and created 13 shot assists to the visitors’ eight, yet the scoreboard remained unchanged through five minutes of stoppage time. Red Bull New York also navigated a fiercely contested derby in which they committed 19 fouls to NYCFC’s 10.
The result gives Red Bull New York a valuable road win and leaves NYCFC searching for a sharper edge in front of goal. For the home side, the defeat also comes amid reports linking former U.S. international defender Matt Miazga with a move to the club, a potential addition that could add further experience to their back line.
What’s next
New York City FC return to action on Saturday, September 26, when they host Atlanta United FC. Red Bull New York are also back in MLS action that day, hosting St. Louis CITY SC.
Goal: Julian Hall 57′ (Red Bull New York)
