Match Focus: Rivalry to Develop in MLS Battle of the Big Apple

Many claim that it cannot, and never will, be called a derby. After all, how can there be rivalry between two teams that have never played each other before? But despite such scepticism the Major League Soccer community awaits Sunday’s first ever clash between the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC with great anticipation.

Of course, MLS already boasts a number of high-octane rivalries - particularly in the Pacific North-west - but this derby could well become the league’s defining contest. This match hasn’t been sold on what it is now, but what it could be in the future.

Both clubs claim to be New York’s one true club, with the sparring between the two sets of supporters fierce. But what will the game itself - to be played in front of a sell-out crowd at Red Bull Arena on Sunday - hold?

The Red Bulls will be considered favourites for the win, given their superior league form in the opening weeks. Jesse Marsch has settled into his new job in Harrison with surprising ease, particularly considering the controversy with which fans’ favourite Mike Petke was sacked at the end of last season, taking 13 points from his opening eight MLS games in charge.

After struggling initially, Bradley Wright-Phillips has adapted to his slightly different role under Marsch. With Thierry Henry retiring at the end of last season the English striker has taken on the mantel for the Red Bulls up front, although Marsch wants Wright-Phillips to drop deeper into midfield - involving himself in the general build-up play. 

However, Wright-Phillips remains the focal point of the Red Bulls’ attack, averaging three shots on goal per game - a higher average than any of his teammates and amongst the top 10 in MLS. But the Englishman also averages 1.8 key passes per game - the second highest average from the Red Bulls only to MLS-leader Felipe (3.1) - illustrating how he has improved on his all-round game.

Felipe has also become an extremely important player for the Red Bulls very quickly, with the Brazilian the club’s most prolific passer (with 55.4 passes per game) alongside Dax McCarty and Sacha Kljestan, while contributing 2 assists in 8 appearances.

At the back the central defensive partnership between Matt Miazga and Damien Perrinelle has given the Red Bulls a solid platform on which to build from, with the latter one of the league’s most successful interceptors - averaging 4.4 interceptions per game this season.

However, the outlook is rather gloomier on the other side of the New York derby divide. After so much pre-season bluster and hype, NYC FC’s season has seemingly fizzled out before it really got going. Kreis’ side started the campaign somewhat impressively - taking a point from their opening game against Orlando City before claiming victory over the New England Revolution in their first game at Yankee Stadium. 

But they have since failed to record a win, losing five and drawing two of their last seven fixtures. An injury suffered by star striker and headline act David Villa hit the team hard, with Kreis’ side struggling for goals in his absence. The Spaniard made his return in last week’s defeat to the Seattle Sounders, but it was clear to see that he hasn’t quite returned to full fitness.

Without Villa NYC FC are desperately lacking in top-level quality in attack, illustrated in their goal return for the season. The former Barcelona and Atletico forward has scored twice in five games, making him the club’s joint top scorer with Mehdi Ballouchy. Beyond that only Mix Diskerud and Patrick Mullens have found the net - with one goal each. 

While Diskerud has impressed to a certain extent in the attacking midfield role, finding a suitable partner alongside him has proved something of a problem for Kreis. Ned Grabavoy has been moved around all over the pitch, with Andrew Jacobson is yet to assert himself in the role - making an average of just 0.3 key passes per game.

Slovakian striker Adam Nemec has been a dismal disappointment for NYC FC too, averaging just 1.7 shots on goal per game - a decidedly low ratio for a man who plays furthest forward under Kreis. It has come as no surprise that he now seems to have lost his place to Patrick Mullins, who at least has shown some sort of cutting edge in front of goal.

Defensively NYC FC have been suspect too, with Chris Wingert - who joined Kreis at his new club having worked with the coach at Real Salt Lake - maintaining a match rating of just 5.9. Shay Facey has also endured some turbulent performances at right-back, yet to make a single cross in three appearances - failing to fulfil his brief as an attacking option in Kreis’ formation.

New York City FC started their expansion season in MLS with much hype and expectation, but that has quickly faded with each disappointing result. The cliche states that in derby matches the form book goes out the window. The Big Apple’s newest club might have to rely on as much on Sunday.

Who do you think will come out on top in the inaugural New York derby? Let us know in the comments blow