Dante Vanzeir scored his second goal of the playoffs and added an assist to help the visiting New York Red Bulls to a 2-0 victory over New York City FC in Saturday's Eastern Conference semifinal.

The Red Bulls swept the defending-champion and second-seeded Columbus Crew to advance — winning 1-0 on the road and in a shootout at home after a 2-2 draw in regulation. NYCFC advanced by sweeping third-seeded FC Cincinnati with a 3-1 victory at Citi Field and a 6-5 shootout win after a scoreless duel on the road.

The Red Bulls sounded like a team that was ready to collect some apologies. After being doubted going into the playoffs, and facing questions going into their conference semifinal against rival New York City FC — a first in the history of the Hudson River Derby — they picked up a 2-0 win at Citi Field to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference final for the first time since 2018.

A goal by Uruguayan Felipe Carballo helped the New York Red Bulls defeat New York City FC 2-0 in a MLS Eastern Conference semi-final

The New York Red Bulls struck twice early in their MLS Eastern Conference semi-final to defeat local rivals New York City 2-0 on Saturday.

The goals sealed the Red Bulls’ progress into the Eastern Conference final, where they will play one of Atlanta United or Orlando City. They also gave them local bragging rights and a win in the first-ever Hudson River Derby in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

A goal and an assist from Belgian striker Dante Vanzeir led the Red Bulls to a 2-0 victory over rivals NYCFC at Citi Field Saturday evening.

The New York Red Bulls gained the ultimate bragging rights with a 2-0 win over New York City FC (NYCFC) in the Eastern Conference semifinals at Citi Field in the first-ever postseason Hudson River Derby on Saturday night.

New York City FC will have the privilege of hosting the first-ever playoff Hudson River Derby against the New York Red Bulls in Saturday's Eastern Conference semifinal.