The first MLS New York Derby in 2017 is nearly here and the Red Bulls are hard at work preparing to face their crosstown rivals for the second time in 10 days.
“This one is a little different,” Assistant Coach Bradley Carnell said about Saturday’s game.
Carnell said that judging by the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matchup where the Red Bulls beat New York City FC 1-0, “there is a lot at stake.”
Manhattan resident Alex Muyl said there’s always something “extra” in these matchups.
“Every time we play, there is some kind of heat in the game, something extra in it,” the midfielder said.
Carnell is yet to experience an MLS-version of the New York Derby, but he’s heard from the veterans about what to expect.
“Obviously, there’s a bit of small talk in the change room, some tactics and planning the week,” Carnell said. “The biggest thing though is not to overexaggerate it, not to divert your attention much, that you focus on what is important and get the guys tucked down in training.”
NYCFC is currently four points ahead of the Red Bulls in the standings, and Muyl knows how important three points are for his team.
“I think that the way the standings are right now its more important than ever,” Muyl said. “It doesn’t make this game any less ‘must-win’ because we need points.”
