Since the MLS Cup doesn't take place at a neutral location, the host team is determined by the Supporters' Shield rankings. Due to the Eastern Conference losing the top three representatives, it means that the odds are quite slim for an Eastern Conference side to host the Cup.

Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz and New York City FC coach Nick Cushing don’t expect to have to do much to get their respective squads ready for Saturday’s playoff edition of the Hudson River

With the Eastern Conference turned upside down in Round One of the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, the first-ever playoff edition of the Hudson River derby comes as a surprise with NYCFC "hosting" the Red Bulls at Citi Field.

NYCFC seeks its first championship since 2021, when it won the MLS Cup in its lone appearance in the final. The Red Bulls, meanwhile, still seek the first championship in the history of a franchise that debuted in 1994. Their only appearance in the final came in 2008.

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.

The New York Red Bulls go against New York City FC in an East semifinal in the MLS Playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 23.