The Atlantic Cup may not be called a "derby," but it sure brings the energy of one every time the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United face off.
The two sides meet for the first time on Sunday night at Audi Field -- which will be Head Coach Gerhard Struber's first taste of one of the oldest rivalries in the league.
"Yeah, I know it is Derby time," Struber said. "I think for us, after the game in Toronto, it is very important that we have a big focus, a big concentration, and the winner mentality on board, then I think it is very difficult against my team and this is the big goal."
The Red Bulls are looking to shake off what they felt as a disappointing draw against Toronto FC and, in essence, bounce back.
"We do not think so much in the direction of a 'derby,' -- we think more of 'What is our responsibility?' 'What is our duty on Sunday night in Washington against a very good opponent?' -- and then I think it is in our hand," Struber said. "We have massive strength at the moment, and we have to bring a good execution in the game, and everyone on his personal limit, this is for me always the most important thing in every game."
Midfielder Dru Yearwood said the team's mentality heading into games has been huge -- and only going to get better.
"The spirit of this team is huge, and we have a real togetherness and I think, as a group, we talk about it a lot, and the gaffer talks about it a lot as well," Yearwood said. "I think that it's massive for us and a weapon for us going up against other teams. Our togetherness is a real brotherhood and a real family."
John Tolkin, who came up to the first team through Red Bulls Academy, knows the rivalry runs deep between the two clubs -- even getting heated at the youth levels.
"Obviously, when I was younger to watching those games back when D.C. was at RFK, those games are always chippy and there is a lot on the line, each teams wants to win, and it is a great rivalry," Tolkin said. "It is going to be an important game."
Yearwood said RBNY will need to head into the match controlling what they can control: playing the Red Bull way.
"I believe that we should just focus on us, and what our game plan realistically should just be, what we do every week and that is pressing, excuse my French, but pressing the hell out of everyone," Yearwood said. "Playing our Red Bull way and keeping our identity."
