Major Keys vs. Columbus Crew
Another One
This makes three matches at Yankee Stadium in seven days for the Boys in Blue, and so far, so good.
A late winner in the Hudson River Derby and a second-half explosion vs. Montreal Impact have NYC flying high with six points so far, and with an unbeaten home record on the 2018 season, it’d be wrong to bet against City on Saturday night vs. the Crew.
Dome was impressed with the fitness of our players in relation to Montreal, and that strength will have to continue as the last 90 of the week approaches.
Play Simple
A big way to alleviate running fitness concerns on a three-match week… run less.
Or keep the ball, as Dome has been preaching since his arrival. A philosophy deeply engrained in the new manager and his staff dating all the way back to the advent of Barcelona’s odern domination.
After the last victory, in reference to a thinner than usual forward line, the manager said: “If you keep the ball, you can play simple. I’m very happy for them because I know it’s not easy, especially in that moment because we have three or four players injured, but they played amazing.” Greg Berhalter’s side has always impressed with their own possession style of play, so look forward to perhaps the most attractive game of the week on Saturday night.
Mata Magic
NYC was missing David Villa, Jo Inge Berget, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi last time out, but still managed to produce a dominating offensive performance with 23 shots and 3 beautiful goals.
A big reason for the continued offensive firepower – Mata’s back! And Dome has him playing higher up the pitch. And the results are awesome:
Look for him to continue flying forward…
Lit Lewis
Another weapon that is having a wonderful week is Jonathan Lewis. The fan favorite scored a proper party goal for NYC to close the festivities on Wednesday night, and the new manager certainly likes what he’s seeing.
In relation to his role in the squad, Dome said: “Jonathan is a fast player and has a lot of intensity in every single ball. He’s a fighter. When the opponents defended deep, he has more opportunities. When the game is open, it is the right moment for Jonathan because the quality for Jonathan is to run in behind them.”
Dome continued: “The most important thing, as a coach, is when a player plays 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, is focusing on that. Right now, Jonathan is focusing on every single second. I’m very happy for the team and especially for him.”
Play on, player.
Boogie Down
You know what time it is.
A major reason we’ve been so successful in the South Bronx is the fan support, so come out in full voice for the third time in seven days and let’s get these points #ForTheCity.
