New York City Football Club entertain Inter Miami CF on Saturday night.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford.
Build From The Back
NYCFC had a strong seven days with three wins in a row and two clean sheets.
In the case of the two road wins against FC Dallas and Red Bulls it was a story of building from the back, both figuratively and literally. The team’s defensive output was strong and helped construct a foundation for the attack to thrive.
On Sunday, the intense pressing from Red Bulls was combated by slick interplay through the lines. That combination of defensive strength and a commitment to playing short passing on the ground were the building blocks to those victories and will be important again on Saturday against an Inter Miami lead by a pedigreed forward in Gonzalo Higuain and top scorer Jose Campana.
Miami have a number of offensive threats, but if NYCFC can replicate that plan and performance they will go toward another important victory.
Attack, Attack, Attack
A simple stat tells a story – NYCFC have managed to score in their last 12 consecutive games.
The Boys in Blue boast a wealth of attacking options in the final third as well as attacking threats from set pieces. Nick Cushing spoke last week about his team’s commitment to both attacking and entertaining football. Underpinning that pursuit is a desire to control proceedings and be the protagonist in the game.
Head Coach Phil Neville operates on a similar ethos, and it will make for two attacking teams facing off in New York.
Home Time
While the last two games have involved difficult road trips this weekend will see NYCFC back in the Boogie Down Bronx at Yankee Stadium.
The feeling at Yankee Stadium makes for special memories as shown by the fact the team has lost only once at home in the Bronx this season. We know our fans will be out in force, making noise, and creating the kind of atmosphere that players and staff alike appreciate so much.
We’ll see you back at home to celebrate a great week and a bright future for NYCFC.
