Major Keys: Full Strength Frontline

Captain’s Mentality

David Villa has returned from his one game suspension due to missing out on the MLS All-Star game and is raring to go. His availability comes on the heels of Jo Inge Berget and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi reaching for top form again after their recent returns, with both looking consistently dangerous in the 2-2 draw with Vancouver at Yankee Stadium last weekend.

More than the goals, which NYCFC has been still producing in David’s absence, it’s the winning mentality that his presence in the team radiates. It’s his ability to kill off matches with a final goal or put in the defensive work necessary to earn maximum points.

That leadership rubs off, and it couldn’t be coming back at a better time as the summer gets tucked in for the stretch run.

Reinforcements Acquired

The MLS transfer window is officially closed and NYCFC’s business is done for now. The final haul: Valentin Castellanos, Eloi Amagat, and Danny Bedoya – all with a big part to play as the MLS regular season hits crunch time.

Castellanos has already shown his worth with a debut goal and overall solid performance at Yankee Stadium in his debut vs the Whitecaps, while Amagat and Bedoya joined their teammates in official capacity this week at the Etihad City Football Academy. New York.

Dome will be happy with the reinforcements brought in, which will continue to keep competition for places high and alleviate concerns of squad fatigue in the August heat.

With the way the mind of the boss works – this only gives the Boys in Blue more options when matching up to opponents over the course of 90 minutes.

Keeping it G

Sean Johnson remains listed as questionable on the latest injury report – but made returns to training throughout the week and could be in net when Sunday rolls around.

If not though, no worries, as Brad Stuver made his NYCFC debut last weekend and did well.

The takeaway? Either way, we’ll be set between the sticks.

Striking Threats

Last season’s champs are surging, with Doménec Torrent well aware of the threats posed by Sebastian Giovinco, a finally fit Jozy Altidore, and Jonathan Osorio going forward.

The challenge is big – but a good one as games continue to ramp up in intensity with October in the headlights.

Road Blues

They are truly with us Everywhere We Go…

And this weekend will be no different.

With a solid number of City faithful making the trip up north,  we will continue to be one of the best-supported teams on the road in MLS, and we’ll have strength at our backs as we look to climb back to the top of the table.