Michael Bradley is eager to get his first taste of the Hudson River Derby when Red Bull New York takes on rivals NYCFC in the last 16 of the U.S. Open Cup on April 29.
Last July, Bradley guided Red Bull New York II to a 4-2 victory over NYCFC II at Montclair’s MSU Soccer Park in the mini derby. He would later take in last September’s 3-2 defeat to NYCFC in Harrison alongside Red Bull GmbH head of global soccer Jürgen Klopp.
In late April, Bradley will have the chance to put his stamp on the Hudson River Derby and should he advance the Red Bulls to the “elite eight,” he will further endear himself to the supporters.
The Round of 16 match scheduled for April 29 will kick off at 7 p.m. Eastern Time at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Bradley Looks Ahead to First Hudson River Derby as Red Bull New York Head Coach
“We are really excited,” Bradley said of the prospect of facing NYCFC following Wednesday’s Round of 32 victory over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. “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.
“We already mentioned it a lot before, we’re really excited. Obviously, there’s important games and there’s work to do between now and then. But for sure, when that game comes around, we will be ready, and we’re going to be really excited.”
Hall on Hudson River Derby: ‘Those Are Games You Mark on Your Calendar’
The Red Bulls dispatched Pittsburgh 3-1 behind a superbly struck Emil Forsberg free kick and two goals from 18-year-old sensation Julian Hall.
“We’re all super excited,” Hall said. “Those are games you mark on your calendar. I can definitely promise you we’re all ready and we’re ready to go and fight.”
Hall has taken his impressive tally to seven goals across eight matches in all competitions this season. Midfielder Nehuén Benedetti provided a one-touch assist on Hall’s 28th-minute goal, which sent New York into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
“We are ready to play against all the teams; we have to keep working and keep the focus on the next match,” Benedetti stated.
The Red Bulls will shift back to MLS action on Saturday afternoon against CF Montréal. Back in March, Montréal shocked New York to a 3-0 defeat at Sports Illustrated Stadium behind a Wiki Carmona brace.
Saturday’s rematch kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time at Saputo Stadium and will offer the Red Bulls an opportunity to serve revenge north of the border.
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