What’s the most important derby of the season? Your answer will depend on the team you follow: if you’re a fan of Scottish football, it’s probably the Old Firm, or perhaps the Edinburgh derby between Hibs and Hearts. If you’re more of a Premier League type, there are plenty to choose from: the Tyne/Wear derby, the Merseyside derby, the North London derby or even the A23 derby between Crystal Palace and Brighton. And of course there are others: the Derby della Capitale and Derby d’Italia in Serie A, La Liga’s tooth-and-nails battles between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, and many, many more.
While all those storied rivalries remain the obsession of football fans the world over, an increasing number of New Yorkers might provide a different answer: the Hudson River derby, contested between the upstart New York City FC and their relatively established cross-town neighbors, the New York Red Bulls. While the NYCFC–NYRB derby lacks the history of other, more famous derbies, only being contested for the first time in 2015, it has quickly become one of the most important games on both teams’ calendars.
Happily, the Hudson River match also lacks the vitriol of some of the world’s more famed rivalries — as evidenced by supporters of both teams gathering for a collective brunch at Stout NYC in Lower Manhattan (90 John St.) on May 17, the day of this year’s big match. While it was technically a NYCFC event, there were also Red Bulls shirts in evidence, and it was honestly lovely to see both sets of fans sitting down together in advance of the big game.
This brunch was the first such event put on by Stout’s downtown location for a New York derby, and judging by the rate at which burgers and mimosas were disappearing from the bar, it was a smashing success. Later that afternoon, attendees headed to the stadium in shuttle buses organized by the venue, but since the game didn’t start until 7:30 p.m., the brunch afforded plenty of time for catching up with friends, enjoying a beer and some food, and indulging in a bit of friendly banter about the predicted result.
The event’s success bodes well for the World Cup, for which Stout is also planning a series of special watch parties. The bar’s multiple TVs and spacious interior make it a perfect place to catch a game — and with soccer fever set to hit downtown Manhattan, such places are sure to be in high demand once the tournament kicks off.
Oh, and the Hudson River derby result? A hard-fought 1-1 draw. This time, bragging rights are shared — but there’s always next time.
Tom Hawking is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor and football fanatic. Find him at his website.
photo: courtesy Stout NYC
