Soccer

Cosmos eyeing local bragging rights in Cup clash with Red Bulls

Saturday’s first-ever clash between the Red Bulls and the New York Cosmos won’t help the former defend their MLS Supporters’ Shield or let the latter win another NASL title. This 8 p.m. US Open Cup game at Shuart Stadium on the Hofstra University campus will be about something different — New York-area bragging rights. The second-tier Cosmos want them, and the top-tier Red Bulls say you’ll have to go through us to get them.

“This is a [Cosmos] organization that has a rich history and is tied with soccer in America. They were very forthcoming about trying to be the next MLS team in New York and it didn’t work out, but they still have a lot to play for,’’ Red Bulls goalie Luis Robles told The Post. “They have a lot of pride and want to show they’re relevant in the New York soccer scene, especially with New York City FC coming.

“They’re going to be fighting for soccer viewing attention. I think this is one step in that direction. That’s why it’s that much more important for us not only to establish ourselves in that landscape, but also in a way assert that we are the team right now. It doesn’t matter if it’s New York City FC or if it’s the New York Cosmos, they have to go through us to say they are the New York team.’’

Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese was the MetroStars’ all-time leading scorer and a former teammate of Red Bulls coach Mike Petke. The MetroStars/Red Bulls haven’t emphasized the Open Cup as much as the second-tier NASL sides do, with Petke pointing out “it’s their World Cup” and Savarese cannily playing that up.

“Let’s say an organization doesn’t take a competition seriously, for the fans it is important. We respect very much our fans, and our players have to be at their best and give 100 percent this match,’’ Savarese said. “It’s the first time two pro organizations are going to play in New York. … The history the Cosmos have and the Red Bulls, the years they’ve been in the area, make this a special match for sure.

“That makes it important. The fact it’s another organization in our area creates a little more [juice], makes this a little bit more important matchup. For us to prove something, for our organization to continue to grow, continue the comeback, it’s definitely going to be a very interesting match. … Like we tell our players, every game matters, every friendly, every league game. The fans deserve always a team that’s going to compete in everything to honor them and honor the organization.’’

While Cosmos star midfielder Marcos Senna didn’t practice Thursday and is in doubt, they should still field a strong team. The Red Bulls will be without Tim Cahill and Roy Miller due to the World Cup, Dax McCarty as a result of injury and likely Thierry Henry and Jamison Olave because of Shuart Stadium’s artificial turf.