7 Historic Red Bulls Home Games
Including their days as the Metro Stars, the New York Red Bulls are one of the oldest MLS franchises, having been part of the league since the beginning. During that time, there have been many memorable Red Bulls home games, especially at Red Bull Arena, which has been the team’s home since 2010. Red Bull Arena is the third-largest soccer-specific stadium in the country, which means there are usually plenty of cheap New York Red Bulls tickets available. Between the atmosphere at the club’s long history of being competitive, you never know when a game at Red Bull Arena is going to turn into a classic just like these seven historic Red Bulls home games.
Red Bulls 1, Chicago Fire 0 (2010)
This is the game that started it all, the first official match for the Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. While the Red Bulls had played a few preseason games in their new stadium, this was the first one that counted in the standings. Naturally, the team’s fanbase was out in full force, as Red Bull Arena was sold out for its official debut. The fans created a great atmosphere from the first kick of the game, reaching a fevered pitch in the 40th minute when Estonian midfielder Joel Lindpere scored the first official goal in Red Bull Arena history. The goal held up over 90 minutes, as the Red Bulls were able to keep a clean sheet and beat the Fire 1-0. The win ended up being the first of many that season, as NYRB would end up finishing first in the Eastern Conference at the end of the regular season.
Red Bulls 2, New York City FC 1 (2015)
The Red Bulls have had plenty of memorable games with their New York rivals, but this was the first. In the game’s 4th minute, Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the first goal in Hudson River Derby’s history to give the Red Bulls an early lead. However, the task became more difficult when Matt Miazga received his second yellow card in the 36th minute, putting the Red Bulls down a man. Wright-Phillips gave the Red Bulls a 2-0 lead in the 52nd minute, sending Red Bull Arena into a frenzy. NYCFC got a goal back in the 76th minute, but down a man, the Red Bulls managed to hang on for a 2-1 lead, getting an early leg up over their rivals.
Red Bulls 5, Chicago Fire 2 (2013)
The Red Bulls closed out the 2013 regular season with an entertaining 5-2 win over the Fire that game the Red Bulls their first-ever Supporters’ Shield. Chicago took an early lead with a goal from Mike Magee in the 6th minute. But the Red Bulls wouldn’t stay down for long with a sold-out crowd behind them. Thierry Henry tied the game in the 24th minute, making the score 1-1 at halftime. NYRB exploded for four goals in the second half, ultimately leading 5-1 before Chicago got a consolation goal late. Forward Peguy Luyindula finished the game with three assists to help the Red Bulls record a season-high five goals and tie a franchise record with 17 wins.
Red Bulls 1, New York City FC 0 (2017)
In 2017, the Red Bulls made a run in the U.S. Open Cup all the way to the Final. It all started with a 1-0 Hudson River Derby win. Daniel Royer didn’t start the game, but he came on as a sub and ended up being the difference-maker. He lucked into a goal in the 67th minute to give NYRB a 1-0 lead that would hold up, starting the club’s most memorable run in the Open Cup.
Red Bulls 3, Columbus Crew 0 (2018)
After winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2018, the Red Bulls were quickly in trouble during the playoffs after losing the first leg of the Conference Semifinals to the Crew 1-0. Fortunately, being back at Red Bull Arena for the second leg gave the team the lift they needed. Alex Muyl scored in the 17th minute, creating a tense and close game. Austrian winger Daniel Royer then scored in the 73rd and 76th minute to give the Red Bulls a comfortable win and send them to the Conference Finals.
Red Bulls 3, Tijuana 1 (2018)
This game was easily NYRB’s biggest Champions League triumph at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls won the first leg of the Quarterfinals against Tijuana on the road 2-0. However, things got tense when the Mexican side scored in the 10th minute of the second leg. But Tyler Adams struck back quickly to tie the game. Marc Rzatkowski and Alejandro Romero Gamarra added goals in the second half to give the Red Bulls a 3-1 win and a 5-1 aggregate victory.
Red Bulls 4, New York City FC 1 (2016)
There aren’t many moments more memorable than blowing out your rivals. After defeating NYCFC 7-0 at Yankee Stadium earlier in the season, the Red Bulls gave their home fans a chance to enjoy a dominating effort. Bradley Wright-Phillips and Ronald Zubar gave the Red Bulls an early 2-0 that was 3-1 at halftime. Wright-Phillips added the icing on the cake in the 70th minute for a 4-1 thrashing.