New York Red Bulls defeated New York City FC 3-1 at Yankee Stadium in the second New York derby of the 2015 MLS season at the weekend.
It's hard to pinpoint the biggest talking point of a match that had as much action in the stands as it did on the field. Thomas McNamara's fantastic swivel and strike in the 15th minute gave NYCFC the lead, and it looked like that goal might make the headlines when the newly formed team went into the break 1-0 up.
However, former Manchester City and Charlton Athletic forward Bradley Wright-Phillips volleyed home shortly after half-time to draw level, before Chris Duvall and Matt Miazga netted not long after to complete Red Bulls' second victory in as many contests against its cross town rivals. Miazga celebrated his goal by imitating a baseballer hitting a home run at the world's most famous baseball stadium, which was filled with a strong crowd of over 48,000.
The talk on New York soccer fans' lips will no doubt have been the personnel seen in the stands on the day. NYCFC marquee man Frank Lampard was unveiled before kick-off, before taking his place in the stands next to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. Chants of "we want Pirlo" rang around the stadium whenever Pirlo and Lampard flashed up on the jumbo screen.
It has been speculated in recent weeks that Pirlo will join Lampard at the club, and his attendance at the weekend all but confirms he will be a part of the setup at the franchise owned by Manchester City.
If NYCFC secure the 36-year old's signature, as expected, it will give the new boys on the block a third superstar after Lampard and Spanish star David Villa.
Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, currently on holiday in America, was also at the match.
Despite its high profile players and owners, City have lost both New York Derbies to date and have won just 4 of 17 games in its inaugural season, to sit 9th in the MLS Eastern Conference.
But the club possesses enough financial and business clout to ensure that future New York derbies may go a different way.
