New York City FC returns to action on Saturday when Orlando City provide the opposition.
Here’s the Major Keys to the Match, presented by Tri-State Ford…
17-2
First, some very pleasing numbers...
City have won a franchise-record six consecutive Regular Season home matches, outscoring visiting teams by a whopping 17 goals to 2.
It’s been a fantastic run – only Portland has a longer active streak – so let’s keep it going as we kick off a three-game week with this Saturday night showdown.
Selection Dilemmas
Patrick Vieira reverted to three at the back for the trip to Houston last weekend but will he go back to his tried and trusted 4-3-3 this time around?
With question marks over the fitness of Yangel Herrera, following his early exit in Texas, Alex Ring may be required to return to the midfield engine room after his seamless switch to center back for the past two.
Ronald Matarrita and Rodney Wallace are both away on World Cup duty for the foreseeable but Maxime Chanot could come back into the picture and Jo Inge Berget has been kept back in New York, despite his call to the Norwegian national team, with a very busy week coming up.
Plenty of options for Vieira and his coaching staff to debate over the coming hours and days…
Turning the Tables
Orlando proved to be something of a bogey team for NYC through the first two years of MLS play but we’ve done well to start to turn the tables on them of late.
Patrick Vieira has masterminded victories over Orlando in our last two meetings by a combined scoreline of 5-0, which followed a winless run of six against the Lions (5L 1D).
Let’s hope we continue that recent trend when this game rolls around…
Rewind
Of course, this is the second meeting between these two teams at Yankee Stadium in 2018.
On St Patrick’s Day, the Boys in Blue ran out 2-0 victors thanks to goals from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Maxi Moralez and a dominant performance.
On that occasion, Orlando sat deep and invited the hosts onto them, putting up a deep block which frustrated NYC until the 62nd minute when an error from Joe Bendik provided Isi with the chance to score his first goal for the club.
Ten minutes later, Maxi made it two, finishing off an excellent team move with his thrash into the bottom corner.
The pattern of play could be similar again this time, meaning patience could once again be required from the home faithful.
Orlando Struggles
It’s been a tough few weeks for our visitors, who arrive in the BX on the back of three successive defeats.
Jason Kreis will be eager to put that right on his old stomping ground following losses to Atlanta, Toronto and Chicago Fire.
Our 2015 Expansion cousins are still awaiting their first MLS Playoffs appearance but, despite their rocky recent run, they’re still in good shape to do it, lying in fifth place in the early Eastern Conference standings.
Pride Night
As if we couldn’t be any more hyped… Saturday marks our annual celebration of LGBTQ inclusivity, too, so bring your rainbow flags and scarves and let’s make this a special evening where we show what makes New York City the greatest place on Planet Earth.
Come on you Boys in Blue!
Tickets
