In a city known for its fierce sports rivalries, the New York City Football Club and the New York Red Bulls are gearing up to meet each other for the first time in a playoff match this Saturday. While the enthusiasm for this matchup may not rival iconic clashes like Barcelona versus Madrid, or River Plate against Boca Juniors, the fans of these two MLS teams are brimming with anticipation.

The Red Bulls, hailing from Harrison, New Jersey, boast a fervent fan base known for their unwavering support, complete with drums, flares, and scarves. In contrast, New York City FC, currently playing their home games at Yankee Stadium until their new stadium in Queens is ready in 2027, has quickly garnered a loyal following of its own.

Despite Major League Soccer (MLS) still facing perceptions of being a second-rate league, the rivalry between these two New York-based teams is rapidly gaining traction. The upcoming playoff match holds high stakes for both teams, offering the chance to advance to the Eastern Conference championship and possibly compete in the MLS Cup.

While some critics may argue that European leagues are preferred over MLS, the Hudson River derby between these two teams continues to captivate soccer fans in the New York metropolitan area. As the energy surrounding this burgeoning rivalry grows, it raises the question of whether it could one day become one of the region's premier sporting showdowns.

With fans eagerly awaiting the clash between these two local MLS powerhouses, Saturday's playoff match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, igniting a wave of excitement throughout the MLS community and beyond.

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**Social Media Reactions:**

- "Slow sports weekend here, so hopefully this game could be a bigger deal than normally. Can't wait for the day when this is a big deal but still a long way to go."
- "Sad that the biggest sports story in NY/NJ right now is a 2-8 team switching QBs."
- "This should be a very interesting match. I hope it gets more people into the league if it's done right."
- "NY Times doesn't really cover sports... That this article is published on NY Times in their NY Section is actually pretty big in reaching out to folks who do not pay attention to the league."
- "Elias Manoel still haunts your dreams?"

These comments reflect the diverse reactions and expectations surrounding the upcoming clash between the New York City Football Club and the New York Red Bulls, emphasizing the growing anticipation and excitement within the local MLS fan base.