HANOVER, N.J. – The magnitude ferocity of rivalries tend ebb and flow over time, but the fiercest of derbies have always had their fair share of history.
On Sunday, the presence of Lloyd Sam should surely stoke the flames once again.
Over the years, there has been no shortage of classic matchups between New York and D.C. United. Cheatin’ Bob’s goalkeeper switch in 2003, The Snow Game in 2012, and Peguy Luyindula’s dominant 2014 Playoff performance are just some of the momentous occasions that have helped shape Major League Soccer’s most storied rivalry.
What makes this rivalry so unique boils down to more than just the epic battles that have taken place on the pitch, but also the litany of stars that have donned both kits. From Eddie Pope to Jaime Moreno, Mike Petke to Dax McCarty, the list is quite a contentious one.
At RFK Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Sam will add his name to the collection of combatants before him as another historic chapter to the league’s longest running rivalry will be written.
“It’s going to be a little weird seeing him on the other side of the field,” defender Chris Duvall told NewYorkRedBulls.com. “He’s been on my team since I’ve been a pro, so it’ll be a little different, but it might just add a little extra edge for us.”
Now an MLS veteran, Sam’s career has been intertwined with D.C. since joining the league in 2012. That summer, Sam made his MLS debut for New York at RFK Stadium, appearing in a cameo role at the tail end of a 2-2 draw on August 29.
From that point on, it seemed as if he made it his mission to punish the black-and-red every chance he had. In his tenure with the Red Bulls, Sam started seven league matches against United, bagging five goals along the way.
Now standing on the other side of the rivalry, the Red Bulls will be hoping that same ruthless precision won’t be applied to their squad.
“We obviously know what he’s capable of,” goalkeeper Luis Robles said. “He’s a game-changer and we know that he’s going to be fired up for this game. But at the same time, as much as we like the guy, we have to do our best to shut him down.”
As just one of five players in franchise history to bag 20 goals and 20 assists, the Red Bulls hardly need any introduction as to the type of problems he can present. It’s part of what made the tricky winger a fixture for the club for the better part of four seasons and favorite both in the locker room and in the stands.
After the final whistle blows on Sunday afternoon, there will be surely be time to reminisce amongst the friends he once called teammates. But between those white lines for 90 minutes, there will be no room for sentiment.
“I’ve enjoyed watching Lloyd there,” head coach Jesse Marsch said. “It’s been hard watching him on another team, but I’ve been a fan of his and I wish him great success.
“He’s fit into their team really well and I know that he’ll be up for the game, which presents a dangerous threat. We’ll have to find a way to manage him and control him and make sure he doesn’t get himself going and punish us. It’ll be good to see him, but we know it’ll be a big challenge.”
