Harrison, NJ——New York City FC and New York Red Bulls battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw Saturday night in Harrison, as both clubs extended their recent unbeaten stretches in another intense chapter of the Hudson River Derby.
NYCFC found a spark in the second half behind Andrés Perea, who scored his first goal of the season in the 52nd minute to help his club earn a valuable road point. The midfielder’s goal marked an emotional return after suffering a devastating leg injury during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs that sidelined him for months. Saturday’s appearance was only his fourth of the season.
Perea entered the match earlier than expected in the 39th minute after veteran playmaker Maxi Morález was forced off the field with an apparent knee injury. Morález had to be carted off, creating an unsettling moment for NYCFC before halftime.
The Red Bulls grabbed momentum late in the opening half when Jorge Ruvalcaba capitalized on a fast-break opportunity in the 44th minute. Cade Cowell pushed the attack forward down the right side and delivered a dangerous low cross into the box. NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese managed to get a hand on the ball while diving, but the rebound bounced directly to Ruvalcaba, who calmly finished into an open net from close range to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead.
NYCFC responded after halftime with renewed energy, eventually finding the equalizer through Perea. The goal helped continue the club’s recent turnaround, as NYCFC improved to 5-5-4 and extended its unbeaten streak to three matches following a frustrating seven-game stretch without a victory.
Freese, who has also been part of the U.S. Men’s National Team player pool, finished the night with three saves and made several key stops to keep NYCFC within striking distance.
The Red Bulls also continued their recent improvement. After enduring a five-match winless skid earlier in the season, New York has now gone unbeaten in three straight contests. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath turned in a strong performance as well, recording five saves to preserve the draw for the Red Bulls, who also moved to 5-5-4 on the season.
Both teams had opportunities to find a late winner, but neither side could break through in a physical and emotional rivalry matchup that once again showcased the intensity between the two New York-area clubs.
