The New York Red Bulls host the New York Cosmos on Wednesday night for a Round of 16 match in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. It is the second straight year these city rivals face off in the Open Cup.
Last year, the Cosmos beat the Red Bulls on long island in the first competitive matchup between professional soccer teams in New York since 1932. The Red Bulls started their backup lineup, and as a result lost 3-0 and crashed out of the Open Cup.
Two weeks ago the Cosmos beat newcomers New York City in penalties during the fourth round of the 2015 U.S. Open Cup. Despite going down two goals early at home, the Cosmos fought back and tied up that match in the 90th minute.
Last week, the Red Bulls beat New York City FC at Yankee Stadium in front of 48,000 people. The Red Bulls overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit, scoring three goals in the second half to take their second Hudson River Derby of the year in only the second ever Hudson River Derby.
Only two minutes into the second half, Sacha Kljestan found Bradley Wright-Phillips, and BWP was clinical to finish off the goal. The huge red sea of traveling support went into frenzy. The Red Bulls started to take control of the match, owning the midfield and keeping possession with little challenge from City.
The Red Bulls turned the match on its head in the 52nd minute, when Chris Duvall put the Red Bulls up a goal. By then, the Bulls had taken the match with force, and it looked like a tsunami of chances coming straight at NYCFC goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
It was the first time this season the Red Bulls scored three goals in one match.
Red Bull manager Jesse Marsch had strong words for his team's performance after the match, and in particular singled out Sacha Kljestan for praise.
"In a big game, he made a big imprint."
While playing many games over the last few weeks, one would think that the Red Bulls would sit and rest their starters. Yet new coach Jesse Marsch has vowed to play his 1st team in this tournament, and the potential return of Lloyd Sam to the starting XI brings some intrigue as to who will start the match for the host.
The Cosmos seek to beat two New York MLS teams in the same year for the first time ever, and showing their sign of intent in the New York market. For the Red Bulls, they will try and beat the Cosmos and get a little revenge for last year's thumping.
Kick off at Red Bull Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.