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Filmmakers Help Relive a 2015 Cosmos Cup Triumph

BQE Admin on February 5, 2026

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

In 2015, the New York Cosmos etched an iconic “cupset” win into franchise history, defeating new MLS side New York City FC in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Now just over a decade later, and just ahead of the newly rebooted Cosmos’ debut in the USL, a documentary looks to recapture the magic of the club’s recent history.

Director Greg Jenkins first put together a short soccer film during NYC’s inaugural season. “Battle for New York (The Birth of the Hudson River Derby)” showcased fans of both clubs in the buildup to the first clash between the original MLS franchise New York Red Bulls and their new crosstown expansion rivals. Now Jenkins is revisiting that transformative year in New York soccer, focusing on another big match between new foes.

The Cosmos were reborn in the 2010s in an effort to earn a prospective MLS expansion franchise in New York. Instead it was New York City FC joining the top division league, backed by City Football Group and the New York Yankees.

The Cosmos were able to settle into the NASL (also attempting a comeback), winning a trio of championships in their first years back. Their first match against NYC came in the Open Cup in 2015, featuring a daring comeback and wild penalty shootout.

Jenkins and Rebel Talent are releasing a 30-minute documentary about the pivotal match and what it meant for both clubs that year. Fans in Astoria will be the ones with a first look at the new football short film.

“The Cardiac Cosmos 2015 CupSet” will screen at Rivercrest at 33-15 Ditmars Blvd in Astoria next Wednesday, February 11 at 7pm. There will be Cosmos executives and players in attendance, looking to enjoy one of the club’s first community events in the buildup to their 2026 season.

To RSVP for the screening, visit partiful.com/e/ADkvWhH7Am0Se4lB5VTW. Tickets are a $4 donation to EVLovesNYC to help the local food & resource nonprofit provide meals to the local community.

Your $4 donation to EVLovesNYC gets you access to the screening!

New York City beat Red Bulls in First Hudson River Derby of 2025

BQE Admin on May 20, 2025

NYC avenge their 2024 playoff loss to RBNY at Citi Field

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

Justin Haak makes a sliding stop against the Red Bulls. NYC’s defense is among the best so far this season (Photos by Noah Zimmerman, @N.Z.Media)

New York is Blue to start the 2025 season. In their third match at Citi Field, New York City FC picked up a 2-0 Hudson River Derby win over the New York Red Bulls. It’s the first of two matchups this year, with NYC now winners of three straight regular season contests. 

Despite last year’s results, the Red Bulls won the first ever postseason matchup between the two clubs, ending NYC’s 2024 campaign at Citi Field with an identical scoreline. They would go on to the MLS Cup Final, narrowly falling to the LA Galaxy but claiming a second conference championship.

30,000 plus fans came out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, including a strong traveling contingent of Red Bull fans. Home supporters unveiled a tifo celebrating their 2021 MLS Cup triumph and mocking the visitors’ recent defeat in the final. Both groups were in full voice for all 90 minutes.

New York City fans displayed a tifo poking fun at the Red Bulls MLS Cup Final loss, while bragging about their 2021 title

In the first 13th minutes, the Blues drew first blood. After dispossessing the Red Bulls, a quick series of passes set up Alonso Martinez for a long distance shot. He curled it over goalkeeper Carlos Coronel from beyond the box for his 7th goal of the campaign. Five minutes later, the Red Bulls shot-stopper got the better of the Costa Rican striker, making a stellar save on a breakaway.

NYC went on to double their advantage off of a brutal miscue by Coronel. The goalkeeper mishit the ball, giving it right to Martinez on the edge of the box. This time he laid it off to Maxi Moralez, who dribbled past the keeper and defenders for his first goal of the year. 

Red Bull defenders console Carlos Coronel after the GK’s mistake gifted NYC a second goal

Martinez had one last taste of the goal in stoppage time, but his second long-range strike bounced off the crossbar. Still, NYC’s two goals were their most in a game since a 4-3 defeat to Atlanta in late March.

A stellar City defense made sure to keep the Red Bulls from answering. NYC keeper Matt Freese didn’t face a single shot on target through the first half, comfortably saving the only one he’d face in the second. He finished with his 6th clean sheet of the year.

Birk Risa on the ball for NYC. The defensive line only allowed one shot on goal, an easy save for Matt Freese

With the win NYC finally found themselves back in the top half of the Eastern Conference, just three points from 4th in the East and 6th overall. They’re tied for the 4th best defensive record in the league. The scoring hasn’t come easily, but if New York City start putting the ball in the net more frequently, they’ll become a force to be reckoned with this season.

Up next for the Boys in Blue are clashes with Chicago on Sunday afternoon (5/25) and Houston on Wednesday night (5/28), both at Yankee Stadium. New York City FC will make their return to Citi Field in August when they host the Columbus Crew.

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