MATT KREMKAU - EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by ANTHONY J. MERCED

HARRISON, N.J. – Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips have excelled in the Hudson River Derby, playing at a self-described “high level” for what is quickly becoming one of the biggest rivalries in MLS.

“I think back to when I played with Chivas against the LA Galaxy, Landon Donovan always seemed to show up for those games,” said Kljestan when explaining his outburst of production during this rivalry. “In this series, I just think that Brad (Wright-Phillips) and I have played at a high level. We’ve been up for every game.”

A high level indeed. In six games, Kljestan and Wright-Phillips have combined for eight goals and eight assists, shredding NYCFC and leaving the rivalry at a lopsided 5-1 advantage for the New York Red Bulls. Both players combined to threaten NYCFC throughout the evening, with Kljestan pulling the strings from midfield and Wright-Phillips engaging defenders on dangerous runs in the box.



“You watch Arsenal vs. Tottenham and you see what it means to the players and the fans,” said Wright-Phillips when discussing the atmosphere of the rivalry. “It means a lot to me. I want to score in this game and I want to play well.”

Even the opposition couldn’t help but acknowledge the high level of play shown by the Red Bull’s two biggest producers. Despite NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira’s complaints about Red Bull tactics off the field, he spoke with praise of Wright-Phillips and the effectiveness of the team when given the space to produce.

“Bradley is a good player,” said Vieira after the game. “We knew how good he is and he confirmed the quality that he has.”