The Red Bulls wasted little time finding the breakthrough. In the 15th minute, Jorge Ruvalcaba delivered a cross from the right side that found Julian Hall at the back post, where the young forward finished from close range to give New York a 1-0 advantage.
New York continued to apply pressure, doubling its lead just five minutes later. Devin Padelford rose to meet a corner kick delivered by Cade Cowell, heading the ball into the net to extend the Red Bulls' advantage to 2-0.
The hosts added a third goal in the 27th minute through Ruvalcaba, who finished from close range after finding space near the goal line. His goal capped a dominant opening half for New York, which entered the break with a commanding three-goal lead.
San Diego attempted to respond after halftime, looking to find a way back into the contest. The visitors eventually got on the scoreboard in the 60th minute when Cédric Bakambu redirected a cross from Anders Dreyer into the net, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
Despite San Diego's second-half response, New York maintained its advantage and continued to create opportunities. Goalkeeper CJ dos Santos made several important saves to keep the visitors in contention, but the Red Bulls' attacking pressure proved difficult to contain throughout the evening.
New York put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored in the 93rd minute, completing the 4-1 victory and capping an impressive offensive performance in front of the home crowd.