HARRISON, N.J. — The invasions were successful on all fronts.

First, there was the appearance of an ambush advertiser, the rival energy drink company Monster Energy, which handed out free samples to eager fans in the shadow of Red Bull Arena.

Then, in a surprisingly one-sided match, the Red Bulls were manhandled by visiting New York City F.C., 2-0, leaving their coach, Jesse Marsch, to suggest immediate roster changes and to defend his travel schedule.

“We’re unfortunately what we’ve been all year,” said Marsch, who had missed practice during the week to take classes in Poland for an advanced coaching license. “Not efficient in the attacking part of the field, even anemic. It’s a really bad feeling right now to have them celebrate on our home field. We feel terrible for our fans, for our club, because we know what this rivalry means.”

The Red Bulls had promoted this match as a bitter derby, a Hudson River soccer rivalry — red versus blue — certain to manufacture a flood of passion and physicality. But when the match started, only one team appeared ready.