New York City FC enters Saturday’s Hudson River Derby against the New York Red Bulls with momentum, playoff security, and a chance to extend one of their best runs of form in recent years. Yet the buildup to the rivalry clash comes with a major setback: leading forward Alonso Martínez will be unavailable.
Martínez has been a decisive figure throughout the 2025 MLS season, particularly on the road, where he leads the Eastern Conference in game-winning goals. His absence removes both a consistent scoring threat and a proven derby performer. The Costa Rican international has recorded four goal contributions across his last two appearances against the Red Bulls, including the game-winner in May’s 2-0 victory at Citi Field. In fact, Martínez has scored in every series sweep New York City has earned this year. Losing that level of reliability in front of goal leaves Head Coach Pascal Jansen with a tactical puzzle to solve.
Managing Derby Intangibles
For Jansen, the message heading into this rivalry remains focused on discipline and composure. “A derby anywhere in the world is always one of the most exciting games in a season, and this one is no different,” he explained. “It’s very important that you respect the emotions that come with a derby, show the passion, show the fight, and the willingness to put in a performance. But you also have to respect the fact that derbies are intense, and you have to make sure you stay on the pitch with 11 players. We have to keep a blue head, as we call it, and stay focused on what needs to be done to get the best result possible.”
That balance between passion and discipline has fueled NYCFC’s rise over the summer. The Club has gone unbeaten in their last five away matches, posting a 4-0-1 record, and is on a three-match road winning streak. That form has elevated them into fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 53 points, level with fourth-placed Charlotte FC.
Mental Edge on the Road
Defender Kevin O’Toole credited a shift in mentality for the turnaround in away performances. “It was just about finding our form consistently,” O’Toole said. “Once we were able to do it and kind of get over that hump, the task seemed more tangible and there was a belief in the group that we could go to any place in the league and win these games. Tomorrow’s going to be no different. We’ve also found the ability to win from situations where we go down a goal. Both of those things have really propelled us at the end of the season.”
That resilience has shown in critical matches. Against opponents ranked above them in the table, NYCFC holds an impressive 9-2-2 record, with 19 goals scored and six clean sheets. In contrast, their record against lower-ranked sides sits at 7-8-2 — a disparity that underscores the team’s ability to rise to big occasions like a derby.
Sweeps and Stakes
This match carries historic and playoff implications. With a win, New York City can sweep the Red Bulls in consecutive seasons for the first time, extending a four-match unbeaten run against their rivals. Already this year the Club has set a record with four season sweeps, defeating Toronto, Orlando, Cincinnati, and Chicago twice each. Adding the Red Bulls to that list would mark a fifth, further solidifying 2025 as a landmark campaign.
On the opposite sideline, the Red Bulls face elimination. Sitting 10th with 43 points, they trail ninth-placed Chicago by two. A loss to NYCFC would mathematically end their playoff hopes. That urgency ensures the derby will be played with heightened intensity, regardless of the standings.
Who Steps Up?
The question for NYCFC is who will step into Martínez’s void. Veteran playmaker Maxi Moralez has a history of producing in derbies, leading the Club all-time with seven assists against the Red Bulls. Younger forwards such as Julián Fernández and Seymour Reid may also be called on to shoulder greater responsibility.
While Martínez’s absence looms large, Jansen has emphasized that the Club’s recent success has come from collective belief and defensive solidity. Against a desperate rival, those traits will need to shine through once more.
