New York City FC did just enough to advance in the MLS Cup Playoffs, beating FC Cincinnati on penalty kicks in the decisive Game 3 to seal a first-ever playoff meeting with the rival New York Red Bulls in the next round.
This special installment of the Hudson River Blue Podcast was recorded immediately following the 0-0 draw turned NYCFC shootout win at TQL Stadium to close out the best-of-three Round One playoff series, so get ready to excitedly re-live that 18-kick penalty shootout in all its messy glory.
Hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan discuss the bend-but-not-break performance from NYCFC in the 90 minutes of regulation time that came before the penalty shootout. There weren't many attacking chances created by New York City, but was it always in the game plan to force this thing to penalty kicks?
While the clinching win over Cincinnati is the main focus of this episode, we also look ahead to what will be the most important rivalry game to date between NYCFC and the Red Bulls.
Given the anticipation around this first-ever playoff Hudson River Derby, it's never too early to start with the previews, even if the game won't take place for another two weeks. Who has the edge, and which team does this game mean more to?
Listen to the full episode right here in this post, or over on Bleav, Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever else you get your podcasts.
