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.

The New York Red Bulls beat New York City FC 2-0 on Saturday to clinch a spot in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference Final.

The Red Bulls swept the defending-champion and second-seeded Columbus Crew to advance — winning 1-0 on the road and in a shootout at home after a 2-2 draw in regulation. NYCFC advanced by sweeping third-seeded FC Cincinnati with a 3-1 victory at Citi Field and a 6-5 shootout win after a scoreless duel on the road.