The rival reserve sides clash in MLS NEXT Pro on March 15, streaming free on OneFootball in a local rivalry that feeds the talent pipeline of both first teams
The Derby Rivalry Runs Deeper Than the First Team
When New York City FC takes on the New York Red Bulls at Yankee Stadium or Red Bull Arena, it generates some of the most intense atmospheres in Major League Soccer. But the rivalry between these two clubs does not begin and end with the first team. On Sunday, March 15, NYCFC II and Red Bull NY II — the reserve sides of both clubs competing in MLS NEXT Pro — will face off in a match available to stream free via OneFootball, continuing a competitive dynamic that serves as both a proving ground for emerging talent and a genuine rivalry in its own right. The match can be watched at onefootball.com.
What Is MLS NEXT Pro?
MLS NEXT Pro is the second tier of the American professional soccer pyramid and functions as the primary developmental league for MLS clubs. Established to provide a competitive environment for players who are either working toward a first-team spot or returning from injury, NEXT Pro operates on a parallel schedule to the MLS regular season and is designed to bridge the gap between youth academy soccer and the professional game. Each MLS club affiliates its reserve side with the league, and those sides compete against each other as well as against independent professional clubs in their respective conferences. The quality of play in NEXT Pro has improved substantially since the league’s inaugural 2022 season, with several players making the jump from reserve football to first-team roles in MLS and in other leagues internationally. MLS NEXT Pro’s official site carries standings, statistics, and live stream links for all matches throughout the season.
Why the NYC Derby Matters in NEXT Pro
The NYCFC II vs Red Bull NY II matchup carries additional weight because of the long-standing first-team rivalry between these two clubs, often called the Hudson River Derby. That rivalry is one of the most historically significant in MLS, dating to NYCFC’s inaugural 2015 season and generating some of the league’s most memorable moments. For players on both reserve sides, performing well in a New York derby — even at the NEXT Pro level — is a statement of readiness and competitive mentality. Scouts, coaches, and analysts from both first teams pay close attention to reserve-level performances, and derby matches amplify the stakes.
The Role of Reserve Soccer in Player Development
For a city as soccer-rich as New York, the pipeline of talent flowing through NYCFC II and Red Bull NY II has significant implications for both clubs and for the broader American soccer ecosystem. The academy-to-professional pathway has been a central investment for MLS clubs over the past decade, driven by the recognition that developing homegrown talent is both financially prudent and culturally important. US Soccer’s player development programs have expanded substantially in recent years, with MLS clubs playing a central role in identifying and developing the next generation of national team players. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will see the United States co-host matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey just miles from where both NYCFC and the Red Bulls play, has added urgency to those development conversations.
Free to Watch, Easy to Access
One of the genuine strengths of MLS NEXT Pro compared to other professional sports leagues is its commitment to free, accessible streaming. The OneFootball platform hosts NEXT Pro matches without a paywall, allowing fans to follow their club’s reserve side — and their rival’s — without a subscription. For casual and committed fans alike, this accessibility matters. It allows the game to reach new audiences, particularly in communities where the cost of sports content has become a genuine barrier. OneFootball’s streaming platform is available on web and mobile, making the March 15 NYCFC II vs Red Bull NY II match one of the easiest professional soccer games to watch in the New York area this weekend.
