New York City FC are back on the road this weekend as your Boys in Blue make the trip to Colorado to take on the Rapids.
Here’s the Keys to the Match, presented by Tri-State Ford…
Bounce Back Blues
It was a painful derby day defeat on Sunday as NYCFC fell to the Red Bulls 2-1.
Coming off the back of a luckless 1-0 home defeat to Portland and a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Orlando in the Open Cup, NYCFC had a rough week of results but the performances at least put some silver linings on the clouds.
While the decision that decided the last match undoubtedly left a sour taste, the team has now turned the page and is looking to get back to winning ways vs. Colorado.
Alex Callens perhaps put it best: “Very happy to be back with the team but at the same time disappointed after the way we lost the game. The team gave it all. Now it’s time to pick ourselves up and go again...”
2-0-2
NYCFC have never been defeated by the Colorado Rapids in four meetings, with NYCFC holding the upper hand in the head-to-head.
In the four matches, there have been two draws and two NYCFC wins.
Last time at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Tommy McNamara sniped in a T-Mac special to earn a 1-1 draw… this time, City will need a new hero to earn a positive result.
Case of the Ex
One man on the other side of things this time around is Jonathan Lewis.
The U.S. international enjoyed two seasons in New York but moved on for a new challenge with the Rapids at the start of this year.
The 22-year old Floridian has made a good start to life at his new club, scoring three goals in five appearances and will be eager to impress against his old teammates on Saturday.
Entered the Sandsman
This is a stadium with special significance for young James Sands.
NYCFC’s first-ever homegrown player made his pro debut in City’s 1-1 draw at DSG Park in 2017, entering the field as a second half substitute in place of Andrea Pirlo.
James has been out since June’s 5-2 win over Cincinnati where he sustained a fractured arm but he’s back in contention for a second appearance in Colorado, returning to where it all started for him.
More Returns?
James isn’t the only one who could come off the Injury Report. Dome has hinted that Alexandru Mitriță could be ready to play a part after recovering from his injury.
The Romanian international has four goals in 11 appearances in his first season at NYCFC and provides Torrent with another exciting option, potentially from the bench, for this tough matchup.
We’ll have that all-important team news for you at approximately 8pm on Saturday night right here on NYCFC.com.
