Red Bulls Legend Bradley Wright-Phillips on Hudson River Derby: “A Season-Changer for Both Teams”
Ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated Hudson River Derby, former New York Red Bulls star Bradley Wright-Phillips believes the clash could be a turning point for either the Red Bulls or New York City FC, as both clubs have experienced uneven starts to the 2025 MLS season.
The two teams currently sit level on 18 points from 13 matches, and Wright-Phillips sees Saturday’s showdown at Citi Field on May 17 as a crucial opportunity for one of them to build momentum.
“Both teams are in a bit of a strange place,” said Wright-Phillips. “Every time I watch them, I feel like they have more to give. But these are the matches that can ignite your season. A big win in the derby can really launch a team—suddenly, it all starts to click.”
While the Red Bulls got the better of NYCFC in last year’s Eastern Conference semi-final with a 2-0 win at the same venue, NYCFC dominated the league meetings between the two this season, notably handing their rivals a crushing 5-1 defeat at Red Bull Arena in September.
Wright-Phillips suggested that such a heavy loss would still sting for the Red Bulls, despite their playoff triumph.
“Losing 5-1 to your rival—that doesn’t just go away,” he said. “Even if you beat them in the playoffs, there’s still a score to settle.”
On the flip side, he believes NYCFC will be hungry for redemption after what he called “the most important Hudson River Derby in history,” referencing last year’s playoff matchup. He added that the Red Bulls will need to match NYCFC’s urgency and intensity, especially with the derby on the latter’s home turf.
Wright-Phillips, the Red Bulls’ all-time leading goal scorer, joined the club in 2013, the same year NYCFC was founded. He spoke fondly of the rivalry and how the presence of a local opponent has brought out the best in both clubs.
“Having that cross-town enemy, it pushes you. It makes you better,” he said. Wright-Phillips scored twice in the first Hudson River Derby in 2015, when the Red Bulls earned a 2-1 victory at Red Bull Arena.
Now a pundit on MLS 360 for Apple TV+, Wright-Phillips also praised both clubs for investing in youth and developing talent through their academies. He highlighted promising young players like Jonny Shore (NYCFC) and Julian Hall (Red Bulls) and endorsed the broader league trend of focusing on homegrown players rather than importing big-name European stars.
“It should’ve happened sooner, honestly,” he reflected. “This is still a young league as it nears its 30th anniversary, but developing local talent will help the USMNT and the clubs themselves. There’s so much talent right here in New York—you’ve got to use your academy.”
He cited the example of Tyler Adams, who came through the Red Bulls academy before launching a successful career in Europe.
Wright-Phillips also spoke about how MLS can capitalize on growing momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S. He acknowledged the evolution in coverage and media presentation, noting much-improved commentary and punditry since his arrival in the league.
“In my early years, the lack of energy from commentators really used to frustrate me. It’s much better now,” he said. “As broadcasters, we’ve got a responsibility to bring excitement and insight to the game—especially with the World Cup coming up.”
He also advocated for a shift in the MLS calendar to better align with Europe’s soccer season. Currently, MLS runs from spring to fall, with inconvenient international breaks that can disrupt momentum at key moments.
“Imagine you’re chasing the Supporters’ Shield and your best players are off on international duty. That kind of thing hurts,” he said, pointing to last season’s long break between playoff rounds due to international fixtures as a prime example.
Despite some structural issues, Wright-Phillips remains optimistic about the league’s trajectory as it nears its 30th anniversary.
“The pace at which MLS is growing—it’s unbelievable,” he said, citing the rise in soccer-specific stadiums and passionate fan bases across the country. “The future is bright.”
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com