Are we certain that FC Cincinnati’s real opponents aren’t the New York Red Bulls, despite Hell Is Real garnering more hits, national media attention, and intense fan rage? I’m kidding! Sort of?
Although I don’t think the Red Bulls are the Orange and Blue’s most hated rivals, there’s no arguing that any other team should be ranked second on a list of the FCC’s most hated rivals. After New York’s 2-1 triumph on Saturday night at TQL Stadium—the FCC’s first league loss of 2024—let’s examine the facts.
Ever since FC Cincinnati entered Major League Soccer in 2019, the Red Bulls have been their most frequent opponent. FCC’s record against New York is 5-6-5 (wins, defeats, draws), demonstrating the two teams’ innate equality.
They faced off five times in 2023: twice in league play, twice in the playoffs, and once more in the U.S. Open Cup. The Garys claimed victory in four of those matches, notably dispatching the Red Bulls from the U.S. Open Cup and the postseason—with both triumphs at Red Bull Arena. Interestingly, FC Cincinnati is just 1-4-1 against the Red Bulls in home matches.
We’re talking about playoffs
In the opening game of a best-of-three Round 1 playoff series, FCC defeated the Red Bulls 3-0, seizing the opportunity for its first-ever home victory over New York. That victory came last November. The Orange and Blue prevailed in a tense 10-round penalty shootout to win Game 2. Matt Miazga was lost by FC Cincinnati during the postseason despite the team’s victory. After converting a penalty, the MLS Defender of the Year was sent off, and his post-match antics—which you can view below—were the cause of his playoff suspension.
FC Cincinnati eliminated New York from the postseason for the second time in a row with their defeat in Game 2. In 2022, the visitors’ first-ever MLS playoff match ended in a 2-1 triumph thanks to a goal from Brandon Vazquez.
The Amaya episode
Apparently FC Cincinnati fans don’t forgive or forget easily. Three years after Frankie Amaya, FCC’s very first draft pick, had his trade request granted, the franchise’s grumpier fans have continued to mercilessly boo (and chant worse words) at him in subsequent meetings with the Red Bulls.
After scoring New York’s first goal Saturday to tie things up at 1-1, Amaya mimicked one of Lucho Acosta’s signature celebrations. It was Amaya’s first score since scoring at TQL Stadium late last season. Be careful what you boo for!
Miazga has another moment
- As previously established, after FC Cincinnati’s Game 2 victory, Miazga reportedly went into a section of Red Bull Arena designated for match referees, earning himself a suspension that would last the remainder of the 2023 postseason. After edging over Philadelphia in the following round, the Orange and Blue lost the East Final to Columbus after blowing a late lead thanks to Miazga’s astute defense and inspiring leadership on the field.
On Saturday, Miazga endured another moment of misjudgment, yanking down New York’s Sean Nealis in the penalty box, leading to an easy penalty call for the Red Bulls in first-half stoppage time. Fortunately for the former Red Bull player, goalkeeper Evan Lauro—making his first MLS start in place of the injured Roman Celentano—saved Lewis Morgan’s penalty.
FC Cincinnati and the New York Red Bulls play again on July 20 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
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