For those that feel a love and passion for the sport of soccer attending a match at Yankee Stadium is certainly a memorable experience. Sitting at one of the more iconic new sporting venues in the New York Area and being able to watch the New York City FC play the sport in a baseball stadium.
There have been a ton of challenges that were faced by the grounds crew at Yankee Stadium in covering the baseball venue into one that hosted soccer, but since the birth of NYCFC both the franchise and Stadium blended well together.
In one of the more memorable moments at the venue, and in one of the more important days for New York City FC, the Boys in Blue took to the pitch for potentially one last time during the 2023 Season.
That memorable moment was the latest installation of the Hudson River Derby as NYCFC hosted the New York Red Bulls, with the results being huge for both squads as they were battling for a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs.
With an incredible crowd of 26,657 in attendance, both NYCFC and the Red Bulls provided plenty of memorable moments in a thrilling 0-0 draw, in a day that is going to go down in the history books in terms of special moments for the sport of soccer.
There were especially some individual moments that are going to be talked about as Goalkeeper Matt Freese was able to play in his second clean sheet over the three regular seasons played during his career.
In addition, NYCFC saw three players making their Hudson River Derby debut as Defender Birk Risa, Forward Julián Fernández, and Midfielder Andrés Perea got a taste of the New York City soccer rivarly.
Soccer fans are encouraged to check out the following photo gallery from the 2023 Hudson River Derby at Yankee Stadium on 9/16/23…photos taken by: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports
Fans are also encouraged to check out the following videos:
Head Coach Nick Cushing shares these thoughts on the match and what it means to have been a part of a team that played at Yankee Stadium:
Goalkeeper Matt Freese shares these thoughts on the match and playing at Yankee Stadium:
One of the masterclass saves Freese made is during the 75th minute, when he dove to the left to deflect a ball out of bounds.
As for the offensive chances there were a ton of thrilling moments for both sides. Starting with the Red Bulls as a chance by Elias Manoel went just past the post.
In the Second Half of play there were also some opportunities that had fans on the edge of their seats, as the Red Bulls Omir Fernandez got himself an opportunity that was denied by the play of Freese.
Santiago Rodríguez looked very impressive in the Second Half of play, getting some great chances of his own around the 66th minute mark and shortly after.
Then for NYCFC they saw a wonderful opportunity by Monsef Bakrar, as the striker came oh so close to helping his squad get the lead. Bakrar is playing a great brand of soccer as of late, and the more time he sees with the squad the more scoring opportunities he is going to hopefully get.
Even though there were plenty of chances on both sides, at the end of the action the match ended with a 0-0 draw and both sides waiting for results from other MLS teams to determine where they are going to stand in the potential 2023 MLS Playoff Hunt.
Up next for the Boys in Blue they have a home game but this time at Citi Field as they take on Orlando City SC on September 20, with the action scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
As for the New York Red Bulls they are also going to be in action on 9/20 as they host Austin FC in MLS action in Red Bull Arena on 7:30 p.m.
For more information on New York City FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
For more information on the New York Red Bulls fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
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