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The Valley of Franchises: A New York derby in the MLS playoffs
JAMES NALTON writes how both NY teams have avoided each other in the much anticipated post-season competition that determines who will be champions - until now
[Peter Glaser / CC]

THIS weekend Major League Soccer will experience its first-ever New York derby in the playoffs as New York City FC and New York Red Bulls face off in an Eastern Conference semifinal.

Such a clash has been a possibility since New York City joined the league in 2015, but though the teams have met regularly in the league and in other competitions, they have avoided each other in the post-season competition that determines the MLS champions — until now.

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