NYCFC vs. New York Red Bulls: An Unexpected Hudson River Derby Showdown

The 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs have thrown a curveball! In a surprising turn of events, NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls will face off in the Conference Semifinals at Citi Field – the first-ever playoff meeting of these cross-town rivals.

This unexpected matchup is due to the early exits of top Eastern Conference seeds, leaving these two teams to battle it out. NYCFC's usual home, Yankee Stadium, was unavailable due to a prior commitment, leading to this unconventional venue.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
• Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
• Venue: Citi Field, NYC (reduced capacity)
• TV Channel: None (streaming only)
• Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (Seasonal Subscription: $9.99 or free for existing Apple TV+ subscribers)

Team News & Projected Lineups

NYCFC: Mostly at full strength, with only Malachi Jones (injured) absent.

Projected Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Freese (GK); Ilenic, Martins, Haak, O'Toole; Parks, Sands; Wolf, Moralez, S. Rodriguez; A. Martinez.

New York Red Bulls: Also nearly at full strength, with Kyle Duncan and Roald Mitchell sidelined due to injury. The starting center-back remains uncertain between Noah Elie and Andre Reyes.

Projected Starting Lineup (3-5-2): Coronel (GK); D. Nealis, A. Reyes, S. Nealis; Harper, Edelman, Forsberg, Carballo, Tolkin; Vanzeir, Morgan.

Prediction & Betting Odds

Prediction: NYCFC 2-1 NY Red Bulls

While both teams were inconsistent during the regular season, NYCFC ended stronger and demonstrated a capacity to overcome defensive shortcomings. Although the Red Bulls pulled off a Round One upset, sustaining that success on the road seems challenging. The potential for a penalty shootout favors NYCFC's goalkeeper, Matt "Iceman" Freese.

<table> <thead> <tr> <th>Bet Type</th> <th>BetMGM Odds (USA)</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>NYCFC win (90 mins)</td> <td>+115</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Draw</td> <td>+240</td> </tr> <tr> <td>NYRB win (90 mins)</td> <td>+210</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Both teams to score</td> <td>Y: -175<br>N: +120</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Over/Under 2.5 goals</td> <td>O: -150<br>U: +105</td> </tr> <tr> <td>NYCFC to advance</td> <td>-165</td> </tr> <tr> <td>NY Red Bulls to advance</td> <td>+115</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>