When New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union face off, it’s more than just a match—it’s a clash of styles, histories, and ambitions. This rivalry has intensified in recent years, especially in the context of the U.S. Open Cup, where pride and legacy are at stake.
Historical Threads
While not the most storied rivalry in MLS, the two teams have created dramatic memories:
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October 20, 2019: In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Philadelphia bested New York 4–3 in a nail-biting encounter, advancing to the conference semifinals.
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U.S. Open Cup Finals: Both clubs have come close—but not lifted the trophy. The Philadelphia Union have been runners-up three times (2014, 2015, 2018), while the New York Red Bulls were finalists twice (2003, 2017).
New York RB – Philadelphia: The 2025 U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal Showdown
Build-Up and Drama
A 2025 U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal between the Red Bulls and Union was originally set for July 9, but severe weather forced postponement thecup.usU.S. Soccer. When the match finally happened on August 13 at Subaru Park, tensions were high.
Game Recap: A Tale of Comebacks and Heartbreak
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8′ – Wiki Carmona shocked the home crowd with a blistering long-range strike to give New York the lead.
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13′ – Tai Baribo leveled for Philadelphia mlssoccerESPN.com.
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71′ – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting restored the lead for the Red Bulls
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74′ – New signing Milan Iloski equalized for Philly, his first goal for the Union.
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89′ – Olwethu Makhanya, a center-back, delivered a dramatic late winner for Philadelphia.
The Union’s late heroics sent them into the semifinals, continuing their dominance over the Red Bulls, who have now gone 15 matches winless against them (0-11-4)
Tactical & Emotional Notes
Philadelphia showed resilience and composure under pressure. Red Bulls, despite leading twice, lost grip—an alarming pattern exposed in analysis: “Red Bulls lose lead twice… winless streak vs. Union reaches 15”. Player ratings further emphasized the feisty, back-and-forth nature of the contest.
Philadelphia Union: Rising Force & Open Cup Pursuit
The Union have steadily grown from expansion hopefuls into a consistent threat in league and cup play:
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U.S. Open Cup: Despite three runner-up finishes (2014, 2015, 2018), they’ve yet to win the competition.
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2025 Performance: Boasting excellent form and tactical poise, they’ve edged into the semifinals after a tense win over their longtime rivals.
Their 2025 cup run highlights a balanced squad capable of late-game drama and strategic execution.
U.S. Open Cup: The Backbone of American Soccer Competition
Significance
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup stands as the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S., pitting amateur and professional teams in knockout drama every year.
Recent Context
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In 2024, the Red Bulls’ senior team didn’t participate; only their New York Red Bulls II featured due to a format change.
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For 2025, the depth of MLS was on display as Quarterfinals featured eight MLS first teams—no lower-division sides—a rarity since 2015.
The Road Ahead
After beating NYRB, Philadelphia Union are set to face Nashville SC on September 16, aiming for a place in the final on October 1. The eventual winner earns a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Why This Matters
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Rivalry Dynamics: The matchup isn’t just regional—it’s symbolic of shifting power dynamics. Philadelphia’s emergence contrasts with New York’s increasingly frustrating winless streak.
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Cup Significance: The U.S. Open Cup offers not just hardware but a pathway to international competition via the Concacaf Champions Cup.
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Broader Narratives: The postponements due to weather, comeback nature of the contest, and individual heroics (like Iloski’s debut goal or Makhanya’s late winner) add emotional and journalistic weight.
Conclusion
NY Red Bulls vs Philadelphia is more than a game—it’s a storyline. From playoff thrillers in 2019 to the U.S. Open Cup drama of 2025, these clashes encapsulate the unpredictability and passion of MLS and cup competitions. The Philadelphia Union, through grit and clutch performances, continue their march forward in the U.S. Open Cup, while the Red Bulls must answer tough questions if they hope to end their long drought against their rivals.
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