 | This article needs to be updated. (September 2021) |
| Other names | I-95 Derby |
|---|---|
| Location | Mid-Atlantic |
| First meeting | May 12, 1996 MLS regular season DC 1–2 NY/NJ MetroStars |
| Latest meeting | June 29, 2024 MLS regular season NY Red Bulls 2–2 DC |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 108 |
| Most wins | D.C. United (46 wins) |
| All-time series | DC 46–20–42 NY Red Bulls |
| Regular season series | MLS: DC 37–18–35 NY Red Bulls Open Cup: DC 2–0–3 NY Red Bulls |
| Postseason results | DC 7–2–4 NY Red Bulls |
| Largest victory | NY/NJ MetroStars 0–5 DC Major League Soccer (September 16, 1998) |
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The Atlantic Cup is both the name of the rivalry, as well as the trophy awarded to the winner of the regular season series between D.C. United, and the New York Red Bulls. The series occurs twice a year, with each team hosting one match. Although the Atlantic Cup is just one of the now many "I-95 Derbies" it is still considered by many Major League Soccer fans and pundits to be the original derby of the East Coast.
Inaugurated in 2002, the Atlantic Cup has become one of the most bitter rivalries in Major League Soccer and in American soccer.[1][2] The origins of the rivalry are unknown, but some claim that it developed due to the cities' relative proximity to each other, and the frequency with which the two clubs play one another in league, playoff, and Open Cup play. New York City and Washington, D.C. have had rivalries based on various other sports, such as American football (Commanders–Giants rivalry) and ice hockey (Capitals–Rangers rivalry), so can also be argued that the rivalry that already existed between the two cities ended up being also transplanted for soccer. For United, the Red Bulls are the only opponent they have competed against in more than six occasions in both the U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Initially, the rivalry has been in favor of D.C. United, in terms of silverware collected and matches won.[3] Over both clubs' histories, United has won a dozen major titles, while New York was the last original MLS franchise to win its first major title (in 2013). However, while the Atlantic Cup was dominated by D.C. United during a majority of the 2000s, New York dominated the series during a majority of the 2010s.[4]
As of June 29, 2024, the two sides have met 108 times across all competitions, 89 of them were in the MLS regular season, 13 in MLS Cup playoffs, and 5 in U.S. Open Cup. The New York Red Bulls are the current titleholders of the Atlantic Cup.
- ^ "Preview: New York vs. D.C. United". MLSSoccer.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2011. Retrieved July 10, 2011.
- ^ Clark, Travis (July 7, 2011). "Storied DC United-New York rivalry features new twist". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved July 10, 2011.
- ^ Caulfield, Alex (April 18, 2011). "United ready for Atlantic Cup redemption". DCUnited.com. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
- ^ Giase, Frank (July 9, 2011). "Dwayne De Rosario carries D.C. United over Red Bulls, 1–0, beating former team with late goal". The Star–Ledger. NJ.com. Retrieved January 12, 2012.