In 1996, the MetroStars began playing soccer in the nascent professional league- Major League Soccer(MLS) born in that same year. The MetroStars performed brightly, inspiring hope, only to collapse in stunning, dramatic fashion, snatching heartbreak from the jaws of victory after year; a phenomena inspiring the sarcastic phrase murmured by fans, ‘That’s so Metro.’

Most MLS teams are located in cities that draw middle to upper class fans, that use their local teams as family fun for all ages. The MetroStars or New York Red Bulls(RBNY), draw from the blue collar neighborhoods hit hard by recessions, that never seem to reap the benefits of economic upswings.

Yet the stadium fills, and the fans believe in the dream. While many teams rely on flagship superstars to fills seats and create individual magic. RBNY, one of the lowest salaried teams, relies on the players working as a unit in a tiring high-press system.

Recently, a second team has entered the New York City soccer market. NYCFC, owned by Manchester City, one of the wealthiest soccer groups decided buying a team in the same market as RBNY would be a profitable takeover. A large influx of cash flowed into NYCFC. NYCFC has three superstars, that individually make more than the Red Bull team.

NYCFC spends on bigger names, RBNY signs high work rate players.

As the glass ceiling lowers for those that march into Red Bull Arena, there is a palpable disgust for the Manhattanites that were too frightened to follow an area soccer team, because it meant they would have to bump elbows with folks that made their living with hands and sweat.

Going to the Hudson River Derby on my birthday as the two rivals played, and perchance getting tickets last minute that placed myself next to the NYCFC supporters that cheered their millionaires. The feelings that came after the Metros out hustled the highest paid soccer players in the USA, on route to a 4-1 victor was the suspension of belief that wealth can rig all systems, and euphoric wonder wonder of what hard work can accomplish.

After RBNY scored their first three goals, the players celebrated in front of the away supporters section, several players staring at NYCFC supporters, with taunting wry smiles, and the suggestion, “Where were you for the last 19 years?”