The New York Red Bulls are in the preparation stages for their Fourth Round U.S. Open Cup match with local rival, NYCFC.
Although some MLS teams would be disappointed with drawing an MLS rival as their first opponent in the tournament, the Red Bulls are excited for the challenge ahead.
“I was so happy when we found out that it was NYCFC,” Aurelien Collin said on Thursday. “It’s the best rivalry in the league and for us every game against them is like a final so I’m very happy to be a part of it. It’s going to be very intense, I can’t wait for it.”
New York is 5-1-0 all time in the New York Derby, and Wednesday’s meeting at Red Bull Arena will be their first U.S. Open Cup matchup.
The Red Bulls are 5-1-2 at home this season and will hope to take advantage of playing on home soil in a vital win-or-go-home match.
“It’s always nice to play them at our place,” Mike Grella said. “Even when we played [NYCFC] in preseason…the guys were up for that game and we’ll be up for it again in Wednesday night.
“Ultimately, we need to focus on ourselves. It’s a big game and a big result can get you going for sure.”
