MLS Odds: NYC FC, Red Bulls Prepare for New York Derby
New York Red Bulls (+100) vs New York City FC (+240), Draw (+320)
New York City FC (8-3-5, 27 points) will cross the Hudson River for the second time this month to face city rivals New York Red Bulls (7-2-7, 23 points) on Saturday, June 24th, at Red Bull Arena.
NYC FC may be one of the favorites to take the MLS Cup this year, but their record against their older, more established rival is pretty dismal. Since the New York Derby began in 2015, the Red Bulls have won six of the seven meetings.
Their last clash saw NYC FC eliminated from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after the New York teams were paired in the fourth round. FC came close to opening the scoring on two occasions but were denied both times by the woodwork. The Red Bulls ultimately wrapped up the game with a single goal by Daniel Royer.
NYC FC’s performance against defending champs Seattle last weekend highlighted the importance of David Villa in the squad. The former Barcelona star picked up two goals in the second half to close the game at 2-1.
After just two seasons stateside, he’s already being billed as the greatest MLS player of all time. With Villa, Jack Harrison, and Maximiliano Morález as goal-scoring options, NYC FC have one of the most versatile offenses in the league.
As always, the Red Bulls have a reliable goalscorer in Bradley Wright-Phillips, who has scored the bulk of the team’s goals this season. New recruit Royer has also proved himself to be a threat up front, providing the Red Bulls with more options.
Both teams play an attacking, possession-based game. Unlike some other MLS teams, they’re confident enough to play out from the back. However, the Red Bulls have been prone to individual errors this season, which has cost them dearly. They’ve only won two of their last seven games and are currently at risk of missing the playoffs.
New York Red Bulls have history on their side, but NYC FC have all the momentum. If they can replicate their performance against the Sounders, FC have a real shot at winning their second ever New York Derby. They’re certainly the better value as a big underdog.
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Pick: New York City FC (+240)
Don Aguero is a man of many talents, writing about nearly anything you can put odds to. Don has been writing for SportsBettingDime since 2015, covering sports, entertainment and politics. You name it, he's covered it! He is also a steadfast West Ham fan, and has learned to embrace that suffering.
