Bradley Wright-Philips, a legendary figure for the New York Red Bulls, is optimistic that the upcoming Hudson River Derby will serve as a turning point for either New York City FC or the Red Bulls, both of whom have had inconsistent starts to the 2025 MLS season. Commenting on the match set for May 17 at Citi Field, he noted that both teams currently sit with 18 points after 13 games, a situation he believes does not reflect their potential.
Wright-Philips stated, “I think both teams are in a weird place… they should be doing better.” He emphasized the importance of derby matches like these, asserting that a strong performance could catalyze the rest of the season. Historically, the Red Bulls have enjoyed a recent edge in the rivalry, having won 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semi-finals last November. Yet, NYCFC successfully secured a league double over their rivals in the same season, including a notable 5-1 victory at Red Bull Arena.
The former striker underscored that despite the Red Bulls’ playoff success last year, the sting of the 5-1 loss remains significant, creating a hunger for revenge for NYCFC heading into this clash. He reminisced about his own experiences in these high-stakes matches, describing them as “amazing” and a testament to the competitive nature of the derby.
Wright-Philips also commended both franchises for their focus on developing young talent like Jonny Shore and Julian Hall as part of a broader league trend of nurturing home-grown players, moving away from the reliance on international superstars. He remarked that this transition is vital for the long-term success of both clubs and U.S. soccer as a whole, allowing them to capitalize on the talent present in the New York area.
Looking to the future, he highlighted the significance of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, expressing confidence that the MLS should capitalize on the growing interest in soccer. Wright-Philips noted an improvement in commentary and punditry standards, underlining the need for continued excellence to attract new fans post-World Cup. He also suggested that shifting the league calendar to align more closely with European schedules could prevent momentum disruptions due to international breaks.
In closing, Wright-Philips pointed to the progress the league has made over 30 years, highlighting the rise in soccer-specific stadiums and diverse fanbases as evidence of its thriving status. The Hudson River Derby presents a pivotal opportunity for either team to kickstart their seasons, and the intensity of this rivalry promises an exciting match ahead.
As anticipation builds for the derby, both teams have much at stake and the potential for an impactful performance could indeed shape their respective seasons moving forward.