New York City FC crushed New York Red Bulls 2-0 at Citi Field and earned three valuable points in the MLS regular season. The win was done on a wonder long-range shot by Alonso Martínez in the first half, and a neat finish by Maxi Moralez in the second. The victory was a derby thriller, with both sides entering matchday on equal terms, and it lent further pace to City's bid for a playoff spot.
City had come under pressure after a DC United draw and made just one change to the starting line-up, Jonathan Shore being replaced in midfield by Aidan O'Neill. Red Bulls, meanwhile, wanted to keep the psychological momentum acquired in the 2024 playoffs, in which they had knocked out NYCFC at the same venue.
Martínez opens the scoring with a neat strike
The match started at a fast pace. Both teams appeared eager to overwhelm the other, and City took control from the beginning. Justin Haak sent Alonso Martínez into space in the 13th minute. The frontman turned quickly and hit from distance. The ball went into the corner past Carlos Coronel. It was Martínez's 25th for the team.
He almost doubled the lead minutes later. Julián Fernández played a good ball over the top, and Martínez fought the defender before releasing the shot. Coronel got back and made the stop. The play reflected how sharper City had become and how ready it was to exploit every opening.
Red Bulls create little in the first half
Red Bulls' first real chance didn't come until well into the first half. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting created some space on the right and sent the ball in, but it caught the side netting. It was the only threatening attempt that the team mustered before halftime.
Meanwhile, City persisted with attempts to stretch the lead. Hannes Wolf had a close effort in a box scramble, but it was cleared off the line by a defender. The home side had more possession, created more chances, and controlled the attacking third.
Moralez stretches the lead following opponent's blunder
The second half began without substitutions. Red Bulls had the first opportunity, with Dennis Gjengaar shooting on target. Matt Freese was well-placed and made a simple save. The NYCFC goalie continued to be solid whenever he was called upon and registered another season clean sheet.
City capitalized on a massive mistake in the 50th minute. Coronel lost control of the ball while constructing, and Martínez returned to win the ball back. The forward passed the ball into the box, where Maxi Moralez was waiting and finished accurately to make it 2-0 for City.
Freese makes it official with yet another shutout
In stoppage time, Wikelman Carmona came Red Bulls' last hope. His shot lacked direction and didn't trouble the keeper. At the other end, Martínez hit crossbar with another distance shot, missing his second of the game by inches. That would have been 3-0 to City and a brace to him, both from outside the box.
The match ended with goalkeeper Matt Freese registering his sixth clean sheet in the season. He was not particularly tested in the entire 90 minutes, but was reliable when required to be so and had a significant role in ensuring the score remained intact.