NYCFC’s date with destiny is just around the corner…
Toronto FC visit Yankee Stadium with a two-goal lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals but this tie is far from over.
Presenting... five reasons why no-one's throwing in that towel.
The Gameplan
All eyes will be on the lineup selected by Patrick in the hour leading up to kick-off.
The personnel chosen for our first-ever home Playoffs game should tell us plenty about how Vieira is seeing this match as we discover how much attacking potential we will start with.
Frank Lampard is expected by many pundits to return to the team from the start, while Tommy McNamara is another interesting attacking option.
How much freedom the full-backs are given is another one to watch… will Vieira go with RJ Allen and Ronald Matarrita as wing-backs as he did last time on our homefield, giving them license to get in behind to the byline, or will it be four at the back like the first leg?
Will Vieira subvert Toronto’s expectations and attempt to draw them out for the road goal and hit them on the break? Or, will the gameplan be the pure, unadulterated “shock and awe” approach?
It’s a fascinating tactical conundrum to ponder.
Pirlo Return?
While the 37-year old was unable to take a full role in the group session due to the tightness in the calf he experienced ahead of the first leg game, Pirlo is not on the official injury list and it’s hoped he will be able to take his place in the squad.
Andrea’s vision and range of passing was undoubtedly a big miss for NYCFC in the first leg of this tie as Vieira’s were unable to create the number of chances we’ve come to expect from this team in Toronto.
Another vital component Pirlo brings to the table is big game experience – it might be an intangible but all of the game’s great coaches accept this is a real quality that can make a decisive impact at the sharp end of seasons when it’s kill or be killed.
Home Run
One statistic that should give NYCFC hope is the remarkable unbeaten home run we’ve been on.
Not since June 2 have we lost a match at Yankee Stadium in MLS, when Real Salt Lake inflicted a 3-2 defeat – in the five months that have passed, we’ve won seven and drawn one of eight games.
On four occasions we’ve won by margins which would at least take this tie to extra time, so there’s every reason to believe that we can complete the turnaround.
The Early Goal
Getting off to a good start is crucial.
Toronto will expect an onslaught and are likely to sit back and defend in numbers to attempt to draw the sting from the league’s top-scorers in regular season play.
They will know as well as us that an early goal for NYCFC completely alters the complexion of this tie and will give the home side and the supporters a confidence boost which could sweep us to a historic victory.
Come On, New York!
As Vieira told journalists this week, football has always been a tidal game of shifting momentum and for that reason there are sure be moments in this match where the team will suffer.
That’s where you come in.
Our Yankee Stadium crowd has been incredible all season long, cheering us to some of the most glorious victories in the short history of our club.
The atmosphere in Toronto was a factor that all our players and coaching staff talked about after the 2-0 first leg defeat – now we need to create something even louder and more intimidating to complete the comeback and send us into the Eastern Conference finals.
Everybody now… “Come on, New York!”
