During the regular season, NYCFC ruled the roost. They played like they owned the rivalry, strutting around with the swagger of a team that knew how to handle their neighbors. But in the playoffs, especially in a derby, confidence is like a live wire; one spark, and everything can go up in flames. That’s exactly what happened.

Yes, the two clubs share the same geographic location, but beyond their proximity, the rivalry has added an element to it.