New York City Football Club face Chicago Fire on Saturday in Matchday Two of the 2023 MLS season.
The Boys in Blue travel to GEODIS Park in an 8:30pm ET kick-off at GEODIS Park, as the Boys in Blue look to kickstart the new campaign with a positive result in Illinois.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford…
Team News
The opening day trip to Nashville SC yielded debuts for two of our new Blues in Braian Cufré and Mitja Ilenič, while fellow recruits Matt Freese, Tony Alfaro and Gabe Segal were named on the bench.
Will Head Coach Nick Cushing opt to deploy more new blood at Soldier Field, or stay with the same starting XI?
With Barraza and Freese going head-to-head for the goalkeeping gloves, it will be interesting to see who features between the sticks in the coming weeks, while the same applies at the sharp end of the pitch with Talles Magno and Thiago Andrade both occupying the central attacking role in Tennessee.
Though Alfredo Morales was named on the bench for the opener, he was deemed unfit to feature with a small tweak sustained on Friday.
Cushing confirmed the injury was not serious, and will share the latest team news in a press conference later in the week.
Golden Sands
Wednesday heralded the welcome news of a returning hero, as James Sands re-joined the Club, putting pen to paper on a new contract.
The midfielder had spent a season-long loan last year at Rangers, where he gained Europa League and Champions League experience, and enjoyed more trophy success by lifting the Scottish Cup.
Back where it all began, the Club's first Homegrown signing will look to pick up where he left off on home soil, having helped the Boys in Blue to Eastern Conference and MLS Cup glory back in 2021.
Sporting Director David Lee hailed Sands' comeback as a 'priority', declaring the 22-year-old will play a "crucial role" for Cushing's side. His experience and versatility will certainly prove priceless traits, alongside his deep-rooted love of the Club and city.
Subject to receipt of his ITC, Sands could be available to feature in Saturday's trip to Chicago, though whether he would be thrust straight into the action, only time will tell...
Fire Men
Ahead of last season’s visit to Illinois, Cushing described Chicago as ‘a well-organized side’, highlighting ‘world-class’ midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri and forward Kacper Przybyłko in as ones to watch.
The Fire have also added MLS veteran Kei Kamara to the ranks, signed from CF Montréal last week.
Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star Shaqiri enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in MLS, claiming seven goals and 11 assists in his 29 appearances in 2022.
City nulled the threat of the Switzerland international well last time out, with Justin Haak earning deserved praise from his manager for his contribution, alongside Nico Acevedo.
“Their performance tonight - the way that they controlled the middle of the pitch against a world-class player in Xherdan Shaqiri, and they broke the play up - protected the central defenders, kept us playing and controlling the game with the ball,” Cushing said.
Same again, Justin!
By The Bye
Saturday’s clash marks Chicago’s first game of 2023 with the Fire having served a bye on Matchday One.
It makes for an intriguing scenario: though the hosts will be fresh and raring to go having missed out on the opening day action, City will have the benefit of a game under the belt to shade match fitness.
The two sides have locked horns on 18 occasions in total, with the Boys in Blue winning 10 and drawing five.
NYCFC clinched both meetings in 2022 with 1-0 and 2-0 triumphs, and have twice edged seven-goal thrillers against the Men in Red, including a memorable opening day victory at Toyota Park in 2016.
While another rollercoaster ride would appease the neutrals, Cushing and co. will most certainly hope for smooth sailing this time around, and another Gabriel Pereira rocket to ignite lift-off would do nicely!
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