Bruce Arena Confirms: New Jersey is Not Part of New York

At Friday’s Hudson River Derby, New York Red Bulls supporters made light of New York City FC’s stadium struggles with a moderately clever tifo.

Listing all potential stadiums and concluding with East Hartford, where NYCFC had a match relocated, the South Ward aimed to highlight our club’s apparent homelessness.

While the New York (??) Red Bulls seemed to forget where exactly their own stadium is, Bruce Arena, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, had no such doubts.

Ahead of this Friday’s National Team clash with Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena, Bruce fueled the flames of the Hudson River Rivalry with a quote sure to please the NYCFC faithful.

While this match has portrayed as the first World Cup Qualifier in New York City, Arena wasn’t buying it.

"I’m from New York,” he said, adding, “we don’t accept New Jersey as part of New York."

As a proud New Yorker, I can confirm that Arena is factually correct, as New Jersey actually is not part of New York.

But who is going to tell the Red Bulls?

In fact, the “New York” Red Bulls have never actually played an MLS home game in the state they claim to represent.

Yes, Andrea, we’re confused too.

We may not have a permanent home just yet, but at least we understand basic geography.

It’s nice to see our National Team manager does as well.