New York City Football Club are on the road Wednesday night as they take on FC Cincinnati
Here’s the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford.
Watch Vazquez
One of the most consistent attacking threats in the FC Cincinnati team this season has been Brandon Vazquez.
The forward, formerly of Atlanta United and Club Tijuana, has found consistent minutes and starts this season with Cincy. In return for that show of faith Vazquez has produced eight goals and three assists in 15 games.
A powerful and intelligent forward, he is able to play as a lone striker or as part of a front pairing alongside Brazilian striker Brenner.
He will meet a formidable test in NYCFC’s defensive backline, and if the Boys in Blue can win out on that front it will go a long way to leaving TQL Stadium with a good result.
System Swap
Last time NYCFC traveled to TQL Stadium they emerged 2-1 winners.
A lot has changed for the hosts since then. Head Coach Pat Noonan was appointed in the off-season and he has sought to be flexible when choosing a system for Cincy to start games with: moving between a 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 system.
Noonan would appear to adapt his choice to the opponent, and interim Head Coach Nick Cushing made a similar subtle change on Sunday in the second half when he dropped Alfredo Morales between Maxime Chanot and Alex Callens.
The most obvious benefit of NYCFC’s back three system sees them stretch the field as wide as possible.
Cushing may seek to instigate that switch on Wednesday and afford his fullbacks more opportunity to get forward and cause Cincy problems in the process.
Keep Going
The MLS regular season is physically demanding.
The slew of games mixed with cross-country travel test players to their limits. As we approach July things won’t slow down for NYCFC.
The Boys in Blue have a busy schedule that may come to define the final places in the Eastern Conference.
It makes every game vitally important, and if NYCFC can round out a challenging month with a win it will set them up well for the start of July.
