NYCFC fans should root for the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup Finals | OneFootball

For the last few years, New York City FC has had bragging rights that the New York Red Bulls do not have: the Pigeons won the MLS Cup. Despite being a founding member of Major League Soccer, the Red Bulls have never won the ultimate trophy.

Sometimes, supporters of the red team would argue they have won the Supporters' Shield, which they have won three times. However, most MLS fans believe the Cup is the best trophy, and that is the one teams should strive to win. After all, the winning side usually does not win the Shield.

Nevertheless, NYCFC fans have utilized the Cup argument when arguing about their accomplishments and how the Pigeons have the trophy and RBNY does not. Additionally, as the years have gone on, the Boys in Blue have slowly been evening the record after the New Jersey side dominated the Hudson River Derby in the early years of the rivalry.

NYCFC fans should not support RBNY in the MLS Cup Finals

Of course, after the incredible 5-1 Hudson River Derby win at the end of the regular season, NYCFC sadly lost in the Conference Semifinals, which led the Red Bulls to head to the Conference Finals. They then beat Orlando City SC and will play in the MLS Cup Finals against the LA Galaxy.

For NYCFC, this is not ideal. If their rivals win, then they can truly argue they are the better team since they will have an MLS Cup too. Therefore, the Bronx side should cheer for the LA Galaxy. The reason why is clearly simple: one cannot cheer for a rival.

There may be a few splinter supporters that might think that having the Red Bulls win is good for the New York and New Jersey area. Others might want them to win because they are the underdog. However, those fans need to remember the red team is not just a neighbor in the other state. There is a real mutual hatred between supporters and the players on NYCFC and RBNY.

Plus, some fans might not want the Galaxy to win, for the California team has won five times. They might argue it is time for a team to win it who has not won before. Although, the last time LA won was in 2014. A decade has gone by, and LA is not the dominant team of the past. Sure, they finished second place in the Western Conference this year and are arguably back as a top competitor. But again, LA has not won in a while, and cheering for the Galaxy is better than cheering for RBNY.

NYCFC fans should cheer for LA because the Red Bulls are their rivals. The blue side has the MLS Cup, which is one thing the red team does not. Until the record is more even, everyone should hope they do not win the ultimate trophy in MLS.