Red Bulls Seek to Extend Perfect Elimination Record Against NYCFC in U.S. Open Cup Clash

Key facts

• Red Bull New York and NYCFC meet for the 33rd time across all competitions on April 29 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
• New York hold a 16-12-4 series advantage and a perfect 5-0-0 record in elimination matches against NYCFC.
• The Red Bulls have outscored NYCFC 11-0 in those five knockout fixtures, including a 3-0-0 mark in U.S. Open Cup play.
• Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET with coverage on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and Red Bulls Radio.
• Emil Forsberg has four goal contributions in his last three home matches, including a goal in the previous meeting with NYCFC.
• NYCFC advanced with a 5-2 win over Westchester; Red Bulls beat Pittsburgh Riverhounds 3-1 in the Round of 32.

A Rivalry Renewed in the Cup

Red Bull New York and New York City Football Club will meet for the 33rd time on Wednesday evening, but this encounter carries extra weight. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 tie at Sports Illustrated Stadium is an elimination match — a stage where the Red Bulls have never lost to their crosstown rivals. New York have posted a 5-0-0 record against NYCFC in knockout competitions, outscoring them 11-0 across those five matches. Three of those victories came in the U.S. Open Cup, all at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The Red Bulls also hold an 11-0-4 mark in Open Cup matches at the venue.

Contrasting Paths to the Round of 16

Both sides earned their place in the Round of 16 with convincing victories. NYCFC defeated Westchester 5-2, while Red Bull New York beat the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 3-1. The Riverhounds are considered the best team outside Major League Soccer, making the Red Bulls' win particularly impressive. NYCFC enter the match as the MLS postseason tycoon, boasting a stubborn defense and a wealth of veteran experience. Red Bull New York, by contrast, field a squad heavy with teenagers — but unlike Barcelona's youthful experiments of the early 2020s, these young players have proven their quality.

Forsberg Leading the Charge

Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg has been instrumental in recent home performances. He scored in New York's last match at Sports Illustrated Stadium against NYCFC and has recorded four goal contributions in his last three home games, including a goal and an assist in the 3-1 Open Cup win over Pittsburgh. Forsberg has made four career appearances in the U.S. Open Cup, tallying two goals and one assist. His form will be critical as the Red Bulls seek to extend their dominance in elimination fixtures.

Injury Concerns for Both Sides

NYCFC will be without several key players due to injury. Forward Alonso Martinez remains in rehabilitation following ACL surgery, while defenders Max Murray and Drew Baiera are sidelined with lower-body and leg injuries respectively. Midfielder Hannes Wolf is also out with a leg injury, and goalkeeper AJ Martucci continues his recovery from ACL surgery. Red Bull New York have not disclosed any significant injuries ahead of the match. The club's depth will be tested against a NYCFC side that has won only one of its last six league matches.

Betting Trends and Historical Context

Recent encounters between the two sides have been tight. Red Bull New York has just one win in the previous five matchups, while NYCFC has only one victory in its last six league games. Betting totals have gone over in seven of the last 10 meetings, suggesting goals are often on the menu. The Red Bulls' perfect record in elimination matches against NYCFC adds a psychological edge, but the narrow margins in recent regular-season results indicate that Wednesday's tie could be closer than the historical knockout record suggests.

What Comes Next

The winner of Wednesday's match advances to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. For the Red Bulls, the immediate future includes a return to league play on Saturday, May 2, when they host FC Dallas at Sports Illustrated Stadium for Fireworks Night presented by OANDA. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Following that match, the club will induct Bradley Wright-Phillips into the Legends Row, with the first 10,000 fans receiving a commemorative pin. The ceremony underscores the club's rich history as it continues to build toward the future.

A Derby Defined by Stakes

Is a crosstown soccer match a derby when it wasn't scheduled as one? The U.S. Open Cup draw has forced an extra rivalry match upon New York's two MLS clubs, and the stakes could not be higher. For NYCFC, a chance to break the hex in elimination games. For the Red Bulls, an opportunity to reinforce their knockout supremacy. Wednesday's match will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Red Bulls Radio, presented by Sports Illustrated, will air a pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The bottom line

• Red Bull New York are 5-0-0 in elimination matches against NYCFC, outscoring them 11-0.
• Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 tie is the 33rd all-time meeting between the clubs.
• Emil Forsberg has four goal contributions in his last three home matches and scored in the previous home meeting with NYCFC.
• NYCFC are dealing with multiple injuries, including forwards and defenders sidelined by ACL and leg issues.
• The winner advances to the Open Cup quarterfinals; the Red Bulls host FC Dallas on May 2.