Hudson River Blue Podcast

The first-ever MLS Cup Playoffs edition of the Hudson River Derby is almost here, so this episode of the Hudson River Blue Podcast is all about previewing the gigantic Eastern Conference Semifinal at Citi Field. To prepare for the big playoff clash between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, hosts John Baney and Andrew Leigh had to turn to an expert of New York soccer and of MLS Cup Playoffs soccer. Enter Gio Savarese, a studio analyst for MLS Season Pass on AppleTV who you also know for his tenures as head coach of the Portland Timbers and New York Cosmos, and for a playing career that included prolific seasons scoring goals for the NY/NJ MetroStars in MLS. Savarese discusses the significance of the first postseason meeting between NYCFC and the Red Bulls, what each team's head coach will need to do to get their team ready for the unique realities of a playoff derby game, and the huge importance of managing emotions in this kind of high-stakes match against a major rival. We then have a pod installment of Oppo Research, with Matthew Mangam chatting with Red Bull writer Michael Battista about some of the keys to a potential road victory in Queens. Listen to Episode 14 and get yourself fully ready for a tense evening of playoff soccer between the red and blue sides of the Hudson River MLS rivalry. After you’ve listened, be sure to read all of our latest coverage at Hudson River Blue.com, and follow us on Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, or maybe even Twitter (X), if you’re still into that.

It's the international break for the MLS Cup Playoffs but there's no international break for the Hudson River Blue Podcast. Episode 13 begins with a survey of the playoff landscape in the Eastern Conference after Round One, namely that the top three seeds, including regular season record-setters Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi, have been knocked out. Can New York City FC suddenly start dreaming of a march towards another MLS Cup appearance? First things first, and that means a first-ever playoff Hudson River Derby, which will be played at a less-than-full Citi Field. The news that capacity will be capped due to closures of the upper levels of the stadium as it begins its process of offseason winterization spurred lots of spirited discussion between hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan. They share their thoughts on the cap on crowd size and how it's a missed opportunity to draw a big crowd to watch NYCFC play the New York Red Bulls in the rivalry's most important game to date. Episode 13 wraps up with the beginnings of a preview of that Eastern Conference Semifinal against the Red Bulls, with some key numbers and trends called out from across the history of the rivalry game that are worth noting while anticipation continues to build for the first playoff clash between the teams. After you've listened to this episode be sure to go read all of our latest coverage at Hudson River Blue.com, and follow us on Bluesky, Threads, or maybe even Twitter (X), if you're still into that.

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. 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 the 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 Episode 12 as you ride the high of a playoff series win, and be sure to read all of our coverage at Hudson River Blue.com, and follow us on Bluesky, Threads, or maybe even Twitter (X), if you're still into that.

A big win at Citi Field in Game 2 means that New York City FC will play a decisive Game 3 to decide their MLS Cup Playoff series with FC Cincinnati. This episode of the Hudson River Blue Podcast takes a look back at NYCFC's first playoff win of 2024 while preparing for what comes next in yet another do-or-die postseason game, this one on the road. Hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan highlight what went well during NYCFC's 3-1 win to even their best-of-three series, with a lot of discussion about the club's standouts in defense, namely Mitja Ilenič and Justin Haak, along with some talk of the role Citi Field played in providing a home-field advantage. Episode 11 then shifts focus to the upcoming massive Game 3 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, a place where NYCFC have lost five straight matches, but will need to win to extend their season. Our hosts think all the pressure is on the home team heading into Game 3, while they also acknowledge that NYCFC has, historically, thrived when cast in the underdog role during the MLS Cup Playoffs. The records and recent history make New York City underdogs but that might be exactly where the team wants to be. This episode wraps up with an eye on what might be next if NYCFC can pull out a win and advance: A first-ever playoff meeting with the rival New York Red Bulls. How much of an extra motivator will it be for NYCFC to know that a win books them a home game against the Red Bulls for a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference Final? Let Episode 11 be part of your pre-Game 3 preparations, and then please go read all our other coverage at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter (X) and Instagram.

New York City FC finds its 2024 season on the brink, so this episode of the Hudson River Blue Podcast is focused on how they got here and how they might still be able to turn things around. Hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan spend much of this episode dissecting NYCFC's 1-0 loss away to FC Cincinnati to open the best-of-three Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, a match that packed a lot of intrigue into 90 minutes. Episode 10 explores what went so wrong with New York City FC's attack in that loss in Cincinnati, with the team putting up one of its worst showings of the season at the exact worst time. There's also some good discussion around key moments in this match. Those included a non-call for a foul on Santiago Rodríguez leading up to Cincinnati's one goal, a denied penalty claim for a foul on Alonso Martínez, and a late red card shown to Tayvon Gray that will keep him out of Game 2 at Citi Field. Things wrap up this week by previewing NYCFC's home leg of this series, what's now a must-win if the season is to be extended to a decisive Game 3 back in Cincinnati. What changes should Nick Cushing make to his lineup to make sure his team's season continues? Check out Episode 10 and then please go read all our other coverage at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (X) and Instagram.

Attention turns to FC Cincinnati and the MLS Cup Playoffs on this episode of the Hudson River Blue Podcast. Decision Day didn't go New York City FC's way, so Episode 9 begins with a little talk of what went wrong in Montréal in the MLS regular season's final match before hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan shift their attention to Round One of the playoffs. The good news: NYCFC's one home game in Round One will be played at Citi Field, an actual home-field advantage that could help the team's chances of advancing, according to our hosts. The bad news: The loss to Montréal halted some of the team's momentum and set up this meeting with the Eastern Conference's Third Place team, FC Cincinnati. That match-up with FC Cincinnati then gets a very special segment dedicated to it, as HRB writer Matthew Mangam brings in guest Laurel Pfahler of Queen City Press to discuss the Cincinnati team she covers. Matthew and Laurel bring you up to speed on what's been going on with Cincinnati, a team that slumped late in the MLS season but one that might be getting its defense in order just in time for the playoffs to begin. Episode 9 concludes with hosts John and Mark reacting to a surprise twist of a news item: Nick Cushing's potential, rumored departure from NYCFC to become head coach of Arsenal Women. Not exactly ideal timing for a coaching change rumor to break on the eve of the playoffs, is it?

It's days before MLS Decision Day so Episode 8 of the Hudson River Blue Podcast has lots to say about the potential playoff scenarios that await New York City FC. That includes the uncertainty that surrounds where NYCFC might play the home match(es) in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, thanks to the looming potential for a meeting between the New York Yankees and New York Mets in the World Series. What would it mean to the team and its fans to have to host a potential playoff game at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey? Hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan also discuss the debut of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach of the United States men's national team and tell you exactly how much stock you should be put into Pochettino's first-ever loss as coach, suffered away to arch-rivals Mexico by that too-familiar 2-0 scoreline. Episode 8 wraps up with our hosts wondering: Who really deserves to win the MLS MVP award this year? Lionel Messi has piled up the goals and assists when healthy, but he also missed dozens of Inter Miami CF matches while injured. We break down who might be MLS MVP from a group that, in addition to Messi, also includes Columbus Crew striker Cucho Hernández, DC United striker Christian Benteke, and Portland Timbers midfielder Evander, among a few others. Listen to Episode 8 and then go read all our other coverage at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (X) and Instagram.

The vibes on the Hudson River Blue Podcast are good as New York City FC has logged three straight wins with only Decision Day now between them and the MLS Cup Playoffs. Episode 7 begins with a discussion of the workmanlike 3-1 win over Nashville SC, which featured a star turn from Santiago Rodríguez. Santi's two goals have us wondering: If there was an alternate MLS without Lionel Messi or Cucho Hernández, would the NYCFC attacker be in the MVP conversation? The scenarios at play on the final day of the MLS regular season for NYCFC get broken down, as do the potential playoff match-ups that could await once the playoffs begin. Episode 7 wraps up with some discussion of 17-year-old NYCFC defender Christian McFarlane earning a spot on the MLS 22 Under 22 list and just how good the team has been at finding and developing talent at the fullback position, plus a rundown of all the international call-ups that arrived for NYCFC players this October. Listen to Episode 7 and then go check out all our other coverage at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter (X) and Instagram.

New York City FC is riding the high of a late-season unbeaten streak, and Episode 6 of the Hudson River Blue Podcast looks back fondly at the team's two recent victories over the New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati. There's time spent savoring that 5-1 exclamation point of a win in the Hudson River Derby, with lots of talk about the local New York City products, Tayvon Gray and Justin Haak, who played key roles in the emphatic win over NYCFC's biggest rival. Episode 6 also gets into the momentum that's building with NYCFC's second straight win, the 3-2 triumph over FC Cincinnati, and wonders if the team is hitting its stride just as the MLS regular season draws to a conclusion. Things wrap up this week with a look ahead to the weekend meeting with Nashville SC, a match that will have major ramifications for the race for home-field advantage in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Listen and then go check out all our other coverage at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to also follow us on X and Instagram.

It's Hudson River Derby week so Episode 5 of the Hudson River Blue Podcast takes a long look at New York City FC's trip to Harrison, New Jersey to face the Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Before the rivalry match talk, Hudson River Blue's senior editor Andrew Leigh joins hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan to recap his visit to the team's new Midtown Manhattan space dedicated to showing off the future soccer stadium in Willets Point, Queens (tiny replica included), which also meant a chance to speak with New York City FC CEO Brad Sims about the stadium and recent club developments like the change made to the team's badge. From there on it's all Red Bulls-NYCFC preview, as John and Mark look first at the big implications this match carries for the MLS Eastern Conference playoff race, and how it finds both teams in poor runs of results and looking for some late-season momentum. The conversation then shifts to how New York City might line up at Red Bull Arena given the forced absences of Santiago Rodríguez and defender Strahinja Tanasijević, and the injury question marks that remain over Birk Risa. Episode 5 will get you ready for the 29th installment of the Hudson River Derby, and you can find all our coverage, derby and otherwise, at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to also follow us on X and Instagram. Listen now and find all our coverage, at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to also follow us on X and Instagram.

In a very special Episode 4 of the Hudson River Blue Podcast recorded live from the press box at Yankee Stadium, hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan are joined by Hudson River Blue senior writer Matthew Mangam to provide a post-match breakdown of New York City FC's 1-1 draw with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. The conversation begins with reactions to the result and what the last-gasp James Sands equalizer could mean for this year's NYCFC squad — could this end up being their version of a season-changing goal? John, Mark, and Matthew also get into Lionel Messi's individual performance, with the Argentine legend kept quiet in front of many people at the game solely to see him play.  Talk then shifts to the surreal experience of watching Messi and Co. play in the Bronx in front of a crowd of 44,738, including discussion about the in-game atmosphere, that Barbie-themed tifo unveiled in the NYCFC supporters' section before kickoff, and the great performance of the NYCFC fans throughout the stadium and even outside the stadium pregame. Things wrap up with a look ahead to next weekend's Hudson River Derby, which is always big but feels even bigger this time given the closeness of the two rivals in the Eastern Conference table as the MLS Cup Playoffs draw near. Enjoy this Messi-centric Episode 4 and find more of our coverage at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to also follow us on X and Instagram.

Episode 3 of the Hudson River Blue Podcast arrives during a busy three-match week for New York City FC, so hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan have lots of ground to cover. They start by looking back at another NYCFC lead lost in a road draw with DC United, a decent defensive performance that still wasn't enough to earn a slump-busting win. John and Mark also discuss the arrival of billionaire Marcelo Claure as part of New York City FC's ownership group before shifting focus to what lies ahead on the field, specifically the two home matches against Eastern Conference rivals Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami CF.  That includes some discussion of the spectacle that awaits when Lionel Messi steps onto the Yankee Soccer Stadium pitch for the first time, which will cost you a pretty penny to see in person — and which will be a big test for a struggling NYCFC side. The final portion of Episode 3 features a guest appearance from Hudson River Blue's senior editor, Andrew Leigh, who joins John to provide a post-match reaction to the lopsided 5-1 home loss to Philadelphia Union, which made it eight straight MLS matches without a win for NYCFC. What will that heavy defeat mean for New York City as it heads into the final five matches of the MLS season?  Listen to Episode 3 for more on that, and find more coverage at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to also follow us on X and Instagram.

After New York City FC dropped a refreshed badge somewhat out of nowhere to mixed reviews, Hudson River Blue Podcast hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan share their thoughts on the new look. Maybe introducing the crest when the team have just one win in their last 11 games played wasn't the best timing. Episode 2 also has us again wondering what life might be like with Luis Barraza – he of the less-than-stellar recent performances in Leagues Cup and in MLS NEXT Pro – as the NYCFC starting goalkeeper, pending the health status of Matt Freese after his injury suffered against Columbus Crew. The episode wraps up with a preview of DC United preview, and the dangers posed by New York City's Eastern Conference rival and their MLS Golden Boot contender, striker Christian Benteke. We close out with a discussion of Mauricio Pochettino's hire as the next head coach of the United States men's national team, with Mark sharing a Spurs-fan perspective on the new USMNT leader. You can read more at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to follow us on X and Instagram.

Welcome to the first-ever Hudson River Blue Podcast! Join hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan as they talk through New York City FC's tough loss to Columbus Crew, how the officiating did/didn't influence the game, and what losing Matt Freese to injury might mean this late in the season. Looking ahead, they break down this next run of games as NYCFC have to run the gauntlet in their hunt for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. It means staying ahead of DC United and Philadelphia Union, two dangerous teams that are desperate to make the playoffs — and that are New York City's next two opponents. Finally, they celebrate Alonso Martínez, whose talent for finding the goal is turning him into one of the most effective and ruthless strikers in MLS. You can read more at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to follow HRB on X and Instagram.