By Jorge Hernandez
Nov 21, 2024, 02:24 AM EST
In the days leading up to the Hudson River Derby, Felipe Carballoone of the figures of the New York Red Bulls, declared that The elimination of Inter Miami and Columbus Crew motivates the rest of the teams classified to the conference semifinals, since with the two favorite clubs out, The possibilities of obtaining the cup are open to everyone.
“The fact that Inter Miami is not therewho was perhaps the main candidate, I think It is something that motivates all teamsnot just to us,” he told the EFE agency in a video call organized by the MLS.
“We know that both Inter Miami and Columbus Crewwho were the two most difficult rivals in our conference, They are out and then the possibilities open up and we all have a chance to win, which is what we want,” he added.
Carballo and the Red Bulls will play this Saturday in a single match in the Eastern semifinals in the MLS in the New York derby, better known as the Hudson River Derby, with New York City FC.
The Red Bulls (seventh in the East) made a splash by eliminating the Columbus Crew, current champion of the MLS Cup and the Leagues Cup, in the first round0-1 with a goal, precisely, from Carballo and 2-2 (5-4 on penalties) in that best-of-three series.
Starting with the conference semifinals, the rest of the playoffs will be played in a single match with home advantage for the team with the best classification, in this case New York City (sixth).
“The format, perhaps by changing, is a little unfair so to speak because it is a game and, having finished in seventh position, we will only play at home if it is against Atlanta (eighth). I think it is difficult for us, but at the same time it is the price we have to pay for not having finished so high in the standings,” the midfielder reflected.
Carballo said that this New York duel is being experienced with the same passion as any other derby in the rest of the world.
“It’s something that everyone wants to play and everyone wants to win,” he said.
In addition, Carballo will have someone he knows on the rival team, since the Uruguayan Santiago Rodríguez is one of the most important and talented players in New York City.
“We have been in contact because we played together in Nacional and we are friends,” he commented before denying with a smile that they had made jokes or bets on the result of Saturday’s game.
The winner of the New York duel will face off in the Eastern final with the winner of the semifinal between Orlando City (fourth) and Atlanta United (eighth), that eliminated Inter MiamiYo.
*With information from EFE.
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