Julian Hall Punishes NYCFC Error as Red Bulls Win Hudson River Derby
New York Red Bulls took Hudson River Derby honours with a 1-0 win over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium, surviving a fierce late home push after Julian Hall punished a costly error in the 57th minute.
Hall seized on James Sands’ underhit pass back, rounded NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese and rolled the ball into an unguarded net. It was the decisive moment in a match the hosts had often controlled without finding a finish.
Quick facts
- New York City FC 0-1 New York Red Bulls at Yankee Stadium.
- Julian Hall scored the only goal in the 57th minute.
- Pep Guardiola attended as NYCFC’s guest of honour during his sabbatical.
- Red Bulls goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made key saves from Hannes Wolf and Thiago Martins.
- NYCFC sent on Alonso Martinez and Benie Traore as they chased a response.
Former Manchester City manager Guardiola had set the pre-match tone for NYCFC, triggering the club’s sideline smokestacks before kickoff and addressing Pascal Jansen’s squad in the dressing room.
The Spanish coach’s presence could not turn early territorial control into goals. Aiden O’Neill and Luighi both passed up chances during the opening half-hour, with Luighi beating Tim Parker on a sharp run along the byline but failing to produce the final reward.
Horvath then kept the visitors level with a fine stop from Wolf, before Luighi sent another presentable opportunity wide.
After Hall put the Red Bulls ahead, NYCFC increased the pressure. Traore fired over after his introduction, while Horvath reacted well to push Thiago Martins’ powerful header over the bar.
Traore, Tayvon Gray and Andres Perea all had attempts in stoppage time, but the Red Bulls defended their advantage to the end. NYCFC are left to rue their missed openings as both sides move on to the remaining MLS regular-season fixtures.
