If you walk into Audi Field or Red Bull Arena during a matchup between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, you aren't just watching a soccer game. You're stepping into the Atlantic Cup, a rivalry that has defined Major League Soccer since its birth in 1996. Most people call it the I-95 Derby, but that doesn't quite capture the sheer level of pettiness that has fueled this fixture for decades.
Honestly, the DC United vs New York Red Bulls history is a weird, oscillating see-saw of dominance. For the first ten years, D.C. United basically treated New York (then the MetroStars) like a training dummy, racking up four MLS Cups while New York couldn't even find a trophy case. Then the script flipped. Hard.
The 2010s saw the Red Bulls transform into a regular-season juggernaut, claiming three Supporters' Shields while D.C. struggled to find its identity. As of 2026, we are looking at a rivalry that is almost perfectly balanced. The all-time series stands at 47 wins for D.C. United, 43 for the Red Bulls, and 20 draws. It's that close.
Why DC United vs New York Red Bulls is More Than Just a Game
The hatred isn't just about geography. It’s about the "Eskandarian Incident." Back in 2006, Alecko Eskandarian scored for D.C., took a sip of a Red Bull, and spat it on the grass. It was a legendary middle finger to New York’s new corporate branding. Fans don't forget stuff like that.
The 2025 season added fresh fuel to the fire. On April 19, 2025, D.C. United went into Harrison and snatched a 2-1 victory thanks to a Joao Peglow brace. It felt like a shift in the wind. But the Red Bulls are nothing if not resilient. Just a month later, on May 24, they marched into D.C. and delivered a 2-0 shutout. Cameron Harper and Mohammed Sofo provided the goals, silencing a raucous Audi Field crowd.
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That loss stung for D.C. United fans. It highlighted a glaring weakness in their backline—a weakness they spent the 2026 winter trying to fix.
The Big Betrayal: Sean Nealis Heads South
The most shocking development heading into the 2026 season wasn't a tactical shift; it was a personnel trade that left fans on both sides reeling. On December 22, 2025, D.C. United acquired Sean Nealis from the Red Bulls for $350,000 in General Allocation Money.
Nealis was a fixture in New York for seven seasons. He was their captain. Seeing him in the Black-and-Red is going to be jarring for everyone involved. D.C. desperately needed his aerial presence after conceding a league-worst 66 goals in the East last year.
- D.C. United’s New Look: Along with Nealis, they've brought in Romanian Designated Player Louis Munteanu to spearhead the attack.
- The Red Bulls’ Refresh: New York hasn't sat still. While they let Nealis go, they've cleared space for a "squad refresh," though losing veterans like Daniel Edelman to St. Louis has some supporters nervous.
What to Expect in the 2026 Meetings
Mark your calendars for April 22, 2026. That’s the first time these two meet this year, taking place at what is now known as Sports Illustrated Stadium (the former Red Bull Arena). The atmosphere is going to be toxic—in the best way possible.
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The tactical battle between D.C.’s revamped defense and New York’s relentless high-press system (the "Energy Drink Soccer" style) remains the focal point. D.C. United often struggles when they can't play through the middle, and the Red Bulls specialize in making that area of the pitch a chaotic mess.
If you're betting or just analyzing the matchup, watch the wings. In their last few meetings, the Red Bulls have exploited D.C.’s high-flying fullbacks by catching them on the break. If Nealis can organize that backline, we might see fewer 4-goal blowouts and more gritty 1-0 tactical grinds.
Key Stats Heading Into 2026
- Total Meetings: 110 (all competitions)
- Regular Season Series: D.C. United leads 38-36-18
- Playoff Dominance: D.C. United has 7 wins to New York's 4
- Current Atlantic Cup Holder: New York Red Bulls
How to Follow the Action
Most of these matches are now exclusively on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass. If you're a local, there's nothing like being there. The traveling support for this rivalry is arguably the best in the league because the 200-mile trip is basically a commute.
The second 2026 meeting is set for October 14 at Audi Field. This will be a "Decision Day" adjacent fixture that likely carries massive playoff implications. In 2024 and 2025, these late-season games were the difference between hosting a play-in game or going home early.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
If you are planning to attend the April 22nd match in Harrison, buy your tickets at least three weeks out. This specific rivalry often sells out the away allocation for D.C. fans quickly. For those watching from home, check the "MLS 360" whip-around show on Apple TV, but for the DC United vs New York Red Bulls game, you’ll want the full broadcast. The nuances of the mid-field battle and the likely "reception" Sean Nealis gets from his former supporters are things you won't want to miss in a highlight reel.
Stay updated on the injury reports for Louis Munteanu and Emil Forsberg leading up to kickoff. Forsberg remains the creative engine for New York, and if he's healthy, D.C.’s new-look defense will have their hands full from the opening whistle.