A 31st minute penalty kick from Bronx, N.Y. native Omir Fernandez was all the difference in the New York Red Bulls 1-0 victory over rival New York City FC in the Leagues Cup Round of 32 on Thursday night at Red Bull Arena.
The beginning of the match saw nearly no scoring opportunities for either club, until the 28th minute when New York City defender James Sands committed a foul in the penalty area, giving the Red Bulls an opportunity to jump in front.
Following the foul, Fernandez buried a ball from the spot to give the Red Bulls a crucial 1-0 lead. The midfielders’ goal was his fifth across all competitions in 2023 and fourth career goal against the Boys in Blue.
Fernandez’s goal proved to be all New York would need to secure a spot in the Leagues Cup Round of 16.
Despite posing scoring threats throughout the contest, NYCFC could not find the back of the net against a Red Bull defense that allowed just three shots on goal and recorded 13 clearances.
New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel recorded three saves, including a critical stop in the 76th minute during one of New York City’s most threatening attacks.
The Derby was a battle throughout, with the teams committing a combined 38 fouls, but ultimately, the Red Bulls showed that New York is still indeed red.
With the victory, New York improved to 15-8-3 all time against NYCFC, as well as 2-0-0 in 2023. The teams have one remaining matchup to be played this year, which is set for Saturday, September 16 at Yankee Stadium.
The Red Bulls now look to the Round of 16, where they will travel to Subaru Park to take on Philadelphia on Monday, August 7. Kickoff is to be determined with coverage will be on Apple TV+, and New York Red Bulls Radio in English and Spanish via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
