HARRISON, N.J. — As the energy and noise rose in the final moments before the historic first kickoff between the Red Bulls and the nascent New York City F.C., an enormous banner rose in front of the home end at Red Bull Arena, a giant sheet many stories high poking fun at the visiting team.
The sign, depicting an infant in a light blue robe, faced directly across the field to the away end, where the N.Y.C.F.C. fans were assembled. It read, “20 Years Late And A Stadium Short.” On the baby’s robe were the words “Man City Lite,” a dig at the perception of N.