New York Derby day is a whole other beast, according to the guys who have experience in the match.
When the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC face off, it's always a battle.
"The atmosphere is definitely different, you can tell it is a rivalry game," Aaron Long said. "The whole week leading up to it is a little bit exciting, when you get to the stadium it is a different atmosphere for sure. I think everyone is a little bit on edge, but when the whistle blows it is a different feeling."
Though the series started off a little lopsided in favor of the Red Bulls, Bradley Wright-Phillips said it's finally evening out.
"I think the way we started, winning all the time, it gave them some fire," Wright-Phillips said. "They’re on top of the league right now. They’ve had two good seasons in a row. … It’s evening out, it’s not one-sided."
Head Coach Jesse Marsch said this one could be "the best one yet."
"I think they're a very good team, they will challenge a lot of the things that we do," Marsch said. "They have been very effective so far this season, and it’s a chance for us to see exactly where we are at this point of the season, and I feel like our team is in a good way and will be ready for a big game."
The Red Bulls know what it means to everyone involved.
"I know how much it means to our fans and our club, and so do our guys," Marsch said. "They will play and make sure that the performances are a big reflection of our overall standing in this city and our club. It makes it fun, it makes it a lot of fun, but also it makes it big challenge."
