New York City Football Club are back on the road this weekend as they take on D.C. United.
The Boys in Blue return to action in a 7:30pm ET kick-off at Audi Field.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford…
Go Again
The Boys in Blue are back on the road again this weekend in search of the points that will push them across the line and into the playoffs.
Currently unbeaten in six games, they stretched that run on Saturday against Inter Miami CF. City looked like securing a major three points last time out against Miami thanks to a dogged away performance and a moment of quality in the second half through Santiago Rodríguez’s sensational solo effort.
An injury time equalizer felt a harsh outcome for the group, even if the point helped them climb the table. They will now return to the road in search of extending their unbeaten run and securing a win.
If City can replicate some of the qualities shown on Saturday – the hard work, the togetherness, and the resilience - they will go a long way to securing a victory against D.C. United.
Road Blues
D.C. United are well aware this will be a defining week in their season, culminating in Saturday’s home game against NYCFC.
Wayne Rooney’s side have struggled for points at home lately, with only one wins and two clean sheets in their last five outings.
That jumps to three wins and four clean sheets in ten when you look slightly further back, but regardless, the form guide dictates that NYCFC should feel confident of being able to secure the result they require. Meanwhile, following defeat to Austin FC on Wednesday, D.C. know they need all three points if they stand any chance of being in the postseason.
It means Saturday could be a tense game at Audi Field, but one that NYCFC can win.
It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Busy Week
NYCFC have been handed seven days to prepare for their trip to Audi Field to face D.C. United.
Meanwhile, D.C. United have already had a busy week in the form of a midweek trip to face Austin FC on Wednesday. That fixture represented the Black-and-Red’s penultimate game of the MLS Regular Season.
Several of NYCFC’s playoff rivals were in midweek action meaning the table changed somewhat compared to the start of the week. The Boys in Blue won’t let that distract from their preparation, however, with winning matches their only focus between now and the season’s end.
The hope will be that NYCFC can make the most of their extra preparation time this week and enter Saturday’s contest ready and able to take all three points and push themselves a giant step closer to the playoff spots.
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