In the thirty seasons of Major League Soccer, there have been a number of rivalries that forged the league. Ranging from the notable to the more intense. Other than derbies, rivalry matches are the ones that supporters circle on the calendar, and they above all else are the matches they look forward to.
The list of rivalry matches include: LA Galaxy vs. LAFC, Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers, Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati, Toronto FC vs. CF Montreal, and of course, Red Bulls vs. New York City FC.
And there’s New York Red Bulls vs. D.C. United. If you are a supporter of both of those teams, despite somehow being regulated to secondary status, it matters for one reason: No matter what the season, their place in the standings, or whether it’s a frendly, regular season, or playoff match, a loss is considered unacceptable under any circumstances. Fans enter the arena expecting a victory above all else. A loss, and players and coaches actions leading to it must be held acountable without fail.
Even if it means having the coach being dismissed. In some of the minds of some the supporters and fans, that would be the only acceptable outcome. And no, that’s not considered hyperbole. As I said, it still matters to some if not all of the supporters on both sides.
D.C United are the four-time MLS Cup champions, their last win was in 2004. They’ve won four Supporters Shields, three U.S. Open Cups and six Eastern Conference Championships. Although they have been in lean times lately, their rich history cannot be understated. However, while showing potential, D.C. United has struggled to translate their high-pressing style into consistent wins and a strong position in the league.
The New York Red Bulls began life as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. Along with D.C. United, they were one of the original ten teams in the league, and has locked horns (excuse the pun), and traded vicious blows since day one. However, they aren’t without any awards and trophies themselves. They were the best team in the regular season in 2000, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2018. Won the Supporters Shield three times in 2013, 2015, and 2018. They’ve reached the MLS Cup twice, but losing both times in 2008 and 2024. However, if you asked any of their supporters, they would trade any of those lofty accolades for a MLS Cup title. Something that has eluded this club in sometimes embarrasing fashion.
The deep-rooted, hatred-feuled battles between these two old foes are the stuff of legend. Here are just some of them to give you an idea: In 2003, Eddie Gaven came in as a goalkeeper, Tim Howard made a magnificent save, and then Gaven scored the match-winner.
In 2006, Alecko Eskandarian spits out Red Bull after scoring a goal. His goal celebration earned him props from the DC United fans, but was hit with a $250 fine by the league.
And, of course, legend Thierry Henry getting in on the act, playing the role of being the “Ultimate Villian” to for the D.C. United supporters.
In 2012, after Thierry Henry snatched defeat from the welcome arms of victory… Heartbreak. Courtesy of Nick DeLeon.
Two seasons later, the Red Bulls would get their revenge. Seven words: 3000 supporters. One voice. Best. Loss. Ever.
As for the case of why it still matters, mainly because the hatred between the two clubs is pure, unbridled, and most of all, mutual. Yes, I said mutual. And for the 109th time this Saturday, they will battle for a trophy called the “Atlantic Cup”. This storied rivalry happens to be a close one with D.C. United will 40 times, the Red Bulls 38 times and 30 matches ended in a draw. And this weekend will be no different. Expect fireworks off and on the field as the two fierce rivals clash once again.
Finally, as a long-time supporter, allow me to add my take on the rivalry. It really depends on just which generation of fans you ask. For the younger set, the main rival they will ever know is with NYCFC. Especially since the “Bastards in Blue” managed to win a MLS Cup trophy in 2021. Since then, they have left the D.C. United/Red Bulls rivalry in the past.
For the “Metro OG’s” like myself. D.C. United is, has, and always will be the “Hated Enemy“, or better yet, they are simply known as “The Scum“. The history and scars between the losses and victories will remain fresh in our minds. And that’s why no matter where they are in the standings, this weekend’s match matters. When the younger fans ask why I still care, my answer is simply this: “Name another team of which you hate so much for so long. I’ll wait.”
And that, my dear friends is why it matters. Always have. Always will.