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  • Martins lifts NYCFC to Hudson River Derby win, all but extinguish Red Bulls’ playoff hopes | amNewYork

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    Sep 27, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York City FC forward Nicolas Fernandez (7) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first half against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

    HARRISON, NJ — Not only does New York remain decidedly blue, but NYCFC just dealt one of the final hammer blows to their arch-rival’s playoff hopes. 

    Thiago Martins’ 65th-minute conversion lifted NYCFC to a 3-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The result momentarily moved NYCFC into third place in the Eastern Conference ahead of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. However, Messi and Co. still have two games in hand due to Club World Cup duties in July. 

    Bolstering their standing in the playoff picture is but a consolation to the main prize, as they have relegated the Red Bulls to the very present danger of missing the MLS playoffs for the first time in 16 years. 

    With the loss, Sandro Schwarz’s men have two games left to play this season and remain tantalizingly close behind the Chicago Fire, which holds the final Eastern Conference playoff berth in ninth. But it has a game in hand and led the Columbus Crew at the final whistle in New Jersey, potentially increasing its advantage to five points over the Red Bulls (43 points).

    Seventeen-year-old Julian Hall’s first MLS goal of the season in the 23rd minute canceled out NYCFC’s immediate opener in the second minute through Nicolas Fernandez, only for Andres Perea’s remarkable header to restore the Pigeons’ lead just three minutes later.

    Much like NYCFC’s quick snatch in the first half, the Red Bulls replicated it in the second through Forsberg. Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s turnover allowed Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who assisted both Red Bulls goals on Saturday night, to go down the right wing with acres of space. His cut-back pass at the top of the box was cannoned home by the right foot of the Red Bulls’ captain two minutes into the second stanza. 

    Red Bulls’ desperation, however, was not nearly enough, as they were outmatched for the majority of the final 30 minutes by NYCFC — save for the final frantic moments — who had the lion’s share of the final chances.

    Fernandez put the Pigeons up inside two minutes, on the visitors’ very first chance of the night. A cut-back ball from Justin Haak at the top of the box played the Argentinian in, and he finished with his left foot just inside Carlos Coronel’s right post. 

    NYCFC’s lead lasted just 15 minutes amid ceaseless pressure from a desperate Red Bulls side. The 17-year-old Hall, making just his fourth start in MLS play this season, picked up his first league goal of the campaign when he poked a cross from Choupo Moting inside the near post. 

    City punched right back, though, needing just three minutes to do so, and practically out of nothing. A left-footed cross from Raul Gustavo, which looked too low and quick to do anything with, was somehow turned toward goal by Perea, who managed to get his head around it.

    The looping attempt stunned Coronel, who was nearly eight yards outside of his goal and initially rooted to his spot as the chance fell from the heavens. He could only stagger a few paces as it nestled into the back of the net. 

    Forsberg nearly came away with a carbon copy of his goal in the 79th minute to equalize, when a cutback pass found him at the top of the box, but his attempt was blocked by NYCFC defender Tayvon Gray before it could get to backup keeper Tomas Romero, who came in for an injured Freese in the 65th minute. 

    Alexander Hack came within inches of an equalizer in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, but his header off a free kick that flashed across the goal line was cleared by Kevin O’Toole and into the grateful arms of Romero.

    For more on the Red Bulls and NYCFC, visit AMNY.com

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    Joe Pantorno

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  • Taking a Look at the Best Sports Rivalries in Philly – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.Credit: Connor Gan/Unsplash

    Few cities live and breathe professional sports the way Philadelphia does.

    The city’s blue-collar identity, deep traditions, and famously passionate fans make rivalries feel less like games on a schedule and more like battles for civic pride.

    While every sports town has its grudges, Philadelphia’s run deeper, often defined by history, geography, and raw emotion.

    From Cowboys week in the NFL to Flyers – Penguins hockey wars, these rivalries are woven into the DNA of Philly sports culture.

    Eagles vs. Cowboys

    If you ask a Philadelphia sports fan what week matters most on the NFL calendar, the answer is almost always “Dallas week”. The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry isn’t just about football; it’s cultural. Dallas, with its glitzy “America’s Team” image, has long stood as the antithesis of Philadelphia’s gritty, hard-working ethos.

    The rivalry heated up in the 1970s, when both teams regularly fought for NFC supremacy. It reached new levels in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Buddy Ryan’s Eagles embraced a tough, bruising style perfectly tailored for taking on the star-studded Cowboys. Fans still talk about the infamous “Bounty Bowl” games of 1989, when tensions between the franchises turned downright nasty.

    Even today, no matter the records, Eagles fans mark Cowboys week with extra energy. A win over Dallas feels sweeter than most, while a loss lingers longer than it should.

    The rivalry between NFL teams can be quite heated and precious to not just the fans but also the ownerships, given the amount of money in the sport. It is one of the biggest sports in America, generating the most revenue; therefore, it isn’t just a case of winning or losing against your rival, there’s huge monetary value behind each win! Just like when it comes to NFL betting. Fans, like owners, put their money into backing their team, which gives the fixture that extra bit of excitement for them. The NFL is one of the most popular sports to bet on in America. When first starting out, to lower your risks of losing your own money and at the same time being able to perhaps maximise your winnings, which helps with additional funds, you should take a look at WSN and their sports betting bonuses. These help massively when placing your own bets and give you more to play around with.

    Phillies vs. Mets

    PHOTO: Connor Gan/Unsplash

    On the diamond, the Phillies’ fiercest rivalry has often been with their neighbors to the north: the New York Mets. Though the two franchises have had different stretches of dominance, the overlap has fueled bitter seasons.

    The rivalry really took off in the mid-2000s, when both clubs were loaded with talent and competing for NL East crowns. Who could forget Jimmy Rollins declaring the Phillies the “team to beat” in 2007 – only to watch Philadelphia storm past the Mets after New York collapsed in historic fashion down the stretch? That moment alone cemented a new level of hostility between fan bases.

    Games at Citizens Bank Park still draw throngs of Mets fans making the trip down I-95, leading to loud, divided crowds and playoff-like atmospheres even in the regular season.

    Flyers vs. Penguins

    If Cowboys week defines football in Philly, Flyers–Penguins define hockey. This Pennsylvania rivalry isn’t just about geography – it’s about identity. The Flyers, known historically for their physical “Broad Street Bullies” brand of hockey, have clashed for decades with the Penguins, a team often built around flashy superstars like Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.

    The rivalry has produced some of the NHL’s most unforgettable moments. The 2012 playoff series between the teams was a wild, high-scoring affair full of fights, bad blood, and momentum swings. Fans on both sides still point to that series as peak Flyers-Penguins chaos.

    For Philadelphia fans, beating Pittsburgh isn’t just about standings – it’s about reminding the state that grit and toughness still matter. The Penguins may have more recent Cups, but Flyers fans wear their hatred like a badge of honor.

    76ers vs. Celtics

    Basketball in Philadelphia has its own historic rivalry: Sixers vs. Celtics. Dating back to the Wilt Chamberlain vs. Bill Russell battles of the 1960s, this matchup has often determined Eastern Conference supremacy.

    The intensity carried through the Julius Erving and Larry Bird years in the 1980s, with playoff battles that shaped NBA history. More recently, the Joel Embiid-led Sixers have faced the Celtics in several playoff series, often coming up short. Each postseason defeat only deepens the hunger for revenge.

    For fans, there’s an extra sting when Boston is involved. The cities themselves compete culturally and historically, so when the Sixers finally topple the Celtics in a big series, it will feel like more than just a basketball win – it will feel like payback decades in the making.

    Union vs. Red Bulls

    Philadelphia’s MLS franchise, the Union, may not yet have the century-long history of the other teams, but its rivalry with the New York Red Bulls has grown fast. The two clubs’ proximity and regular playoff meetings have created a spirited competition.

    Union fans, known as the Sons of Ben, bring the same Philly energy to Subaru Park, chanting loudly and making sure Red Bulls matches feel hostile for the visitors. It may not yet rival Eagles-Cowboys in intensity, but given time, it’s a rivalry that could blossom into one of Major League Soccer’s most passionate.

    Why Rivalries Matter So Much in Philly

    What makes these rivalries so special isn’t just the history or the stakes – it’s the fans. Philadelphia supporters carry victories like personal triumphs and defeats like personal insults. Rivalries become part of the city’s identity, passed down through generations.

    A child who grows up hearing their parents curse the Cowboys, boo the Penguins, or yell at Mets fans in the stands is bound to inherit that same fire.

    In Philadelphia, rivalries aren’t just about the teams; they’re about representing the city itself.

    Every time the Eagles beat Dallas, or the Flyers take down Pittsburgh, fans feel like they’ve defended their home turf and proved the city’s toughness all over again.

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  • Bradley Carnell, the Union and What the Latest Odds Mean for Philly’s MLS Cup Hopes – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.Credit: Unsplash

    Bradley Carnell has turned the Union from a team in crisis to a contender.

    With the playoffs secured and silverware in sight, the question now is whether his tactical edge and experience can finally deliver the MLS Cup to Philadelphia.

    Bradley Carnell arrived in Philadelphia in January after the club’s worst campaign in seven years, limping to 12th place and, in doing so, did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The remit for the South African, as he replaced Jim Curtin, was simple: get the Union back to the postseason.

    Reading Between the Odds

    Nine months later, Carnell has exceeded expectations. The Union are virtually assured of a playoff spot and are favorites to win the Eastern Conference at +225. They’re also among the frontrunners for the MLS Cup in the latest betting odds at +1000, with only four clubs priced shorter. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami currently leads the outright market at +450.

    What makes those numbers intriguing is the dynamic they reveal. Philadelphia are fancied to top the East, yet Miami are expected to be more dangerous once the playoffs begin. That belief stems from the experience and quality of Miami’s roster, players who have navigated the biggest stages, from Champions League finals to World Cup triumphs. For Carnell and his Union squad, proving those markets wrong will be the ultimate test.

    Carnell’s Road to Philadelphia

    If you want to judge whether Carnell has the credentials to take the Union all the way, his coaching record speaks for itself. Before stepping into the dugout in Chester, Carnell had already built a decade of coaching experience across MLS and abroad. He cut his teeth as an assistant at the New York Red Bulls, where he learned under Jesse Marsch and later Chris Armas, before stepping up as interim boss in 2020. In that short stint, he kept the Red Bulls’ playoff streak alive, showing a steady hand under pressure.

    The Red Bull Blueprint

    PHOTO: Unsplash

    You can see the Red Bull school in his work. From Marsch, Carnell has kept the ideas and philosophies that translate well in MLS: win the ball high, attack forward early, stay compact between the lines, then counterpress to keep opponents pinned in. It’s not just energy for the sake of it. The spacing is tight, the triggers are clear, and the first forward pass after a regain is encouraged rather than delayed.

    A Squad Built to Execute

    That framework fits the squad. Andre Blake, despite currently nursing a hamstring injury, remains the anchor of the group, bringing presence and clean decision-making that few MLS keepers can match. Key centre-back Jakob Glesnes, who recently signed a long-term contract, gives the defense stability and leadership. On the left flank, Kai Wagner delivers quality service that turns pressure into chances. In front of him, Quinn Sullivan adds energy and creativity in the attacking third.

    Up front, Tai Baribo has given Carnell a willing runner to stretch teams and a focal point when the press forces mistakes. The latest markets list him at +1600 for the Golden Boot, making him a realistic contender but still some way behind Messi, who leads the race at -110. The roster has also been refreshed, with pieces like Jovan Lukic in midfield and Ben Bender adding depth and end product. Put together, it looks like a group built to execute the plan week after week, which bodes well for the autumn playoffs if Carnell can count on a clean bill of health.

    Lessons from St. Louis

    Carnell’s biggest breakthrough came in St. Louis, where he was handed the keys to a brand-new franchise and guided CITY SC to a record-breaking debut season in 2023. That campaign delivered a Western Conference top seed and wins that turned a fledgling team into a force. Results dipped the following year, leading to his exit midway through the 2024 season, but the experience of building a competitive roster from scratch added another layer to his coaching profile.

    A Player’s Pedigree

    Carnell’s playing career adds further weight to his credibility. A former Bafana Bafana left-back, he spent more than a decade in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Hansa Rostock, earning over 40 caps for South Africa and representing his country at the 2002 World Cup. That background at the top level of European soccer gives him an authority in the locker room that few MLS managers can match.

    Philly’s Hope for Silverware

    Since arriving in Philadelphia, Carnell has turned potential into results. His Union side plays with intensity and discipline, a reflection of the high-pressing philosophy he has refined throughout his coaching journey. It’s why the team has climbed back into the conversation as genuine contenders, and why fans at Subaru Park believe this could finally be the year the Union bring home an MLS Cup.

    Whatever happens over the next few months, Carnell has already delivered on part of his promise. He has made the sun shine in Philadelphia again by giving the city a team it can be proud of. With silverware now within touching distance, the mild-mannered South African with a fierce competitive streak won’t be content with simply changing the mood.

    Every waking minute will be spent chasing that first MLS Cup, so the rest of Philly can share in the moment.

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  • Red Bulls underwhelm in transfer window with playoffs anything but certain | amNewYork

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    Aug 16, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (13) celebrates the goal by defender Dylan Nealis (12) during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

    For a team dawdling at the outskirts of Major League Soccer’s playoff picture, the New York Red Bulls’ work during the month-long summer transfer window does not suggest they are all-in on extending their streak of 15-straight postseason appearances or building on their surprise run to the 2024 Eastern Conference title and an appearance in the MLS Cup Final, which they lost to the Los Angeles Galaxy. 

    Instead, there were bare-bones moves rather than legitimate difference-makers. Veteran Swedish holding midfielder Gustav Berggren was brought in from Poland to replace Felipe Carballo, and he still has not debuted for New York despite signing on July 23 because of visa issues that were finally resolved on Thursday.

    Young Costa Rican winger Andy Rojas completed his move from Herediano after a loan spell with the Red Bulls’ reserve team, where he will likely see most of his action rather than with the first team. 

    Hours before the transfer window closed on Thursday, they executed a savvy trade to bring in veteran goalkeeper John McCarthy from Los Angeles, in which the Galaxy is eating more than $400,000 of his salary, per a source. He will serve as the backup to Carlos Coronel after No. 2 keeper AJ Marcucci went down with a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago. 

    None of it addresses the continued need for help up front to create a reliable and feared attack alongside striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. 

    Former German international Timo Werner had been in talks with New York for months to potentially move to MLS from its sister club in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig. But salary demands caused negotiations to fall through — a sizable miss for the Red Bulls even with the 29-year-old’s downturn in play in recent years. Even with struggles at Leipzig and Tottenham during a disastrous loan spell in England, Werner still has the attributes to dominate in the United States

    Even more of an indictment surrounding the Werner whiff was the lack of a legitimate backup plan. The Red Bulls did nothing to bolster their offensive ranks, and they will have to rely on the return of Scottish international Lewis Morgan — a natural winger who is on the cusp of returning from a quad injury — and 20-year-old Ghanaian Mohammed Sofo for the stretch run.

    Entering Sunday night’s clash with Charlotte FC, New York has seven games left this season and sits in the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

    For more on the Red Bulls, visit AMNY.com

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    Joe Pantorno

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