It’s a game that needs little hyping but we’re going to go ahead and hype it up anyway!
Managing Editor Mark Booth picks out five Major Keys to NYCFC’s Sunday showdown with Atlanta United…
Clash of Styles
One of the disciples of legendary Chilean coach Marcelo Bielsa’s frenetic high pressing, counter-attacking playing style, it’s not taken long for Gerardo Martino to implement his identity onto one of league’s 2017 Expansion Teams.
Atlanta United took MLS by storm in the early weeks of the season and, despite a couple of hiccups in recent times, they are still playing some of the best soccer in the league.
Two points ahead of Sunday’s opposition, NYCFC would be one of the team’s in contention for the mantel of “MLS Great Entertainers”, so all signs point towards a classic at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Will Patrick Vieira’s possession game triumph over the high press?
It’ll be interesting to see if the Frenchman mixes it up and makes any concessions to an Atlanta side who will be attempting to pounce on any missteps in the NYCFC half for that direct path to goal or sticks to his principles.
Absentees
Every soccer-lover always wants to see the brightest stars on the biggest stages but there are a number of players who will miss this enticing battle in the Bronx.
Yamil Asad is definitely out for the visitors, while this game probably comes too soon for top-scorer Josef Martinez and fellow forward Jacob Peterson.
Former Premier League hitman Kenwyne Jones looks set to lead the line for Martino’s men and the Trinidadian is in good form, having scored two goals in his last three appearances.
For NYCFC, Ronald Matarrita and Khiry Shelton remain on the sidelines, leaving Vieira with a decision to make on who starts at left-back.
Welcome Back, El Guaje
It’s never good to take to the field without the services of David Villa but El Guaje himself was delighted that the team found a way to win without him last Saturday.
The forward, who signed a one-year contract extension this week, has recovered from his illness and is ready to continue his excellent start to the season against Atlanta.
No player has scored more than David’s 46 goals since the Spanish sensation joined the league in 2015 and he’ll be hoping to mark his return in style to get NYCFC back to winning ways on home soil.
Herrera or Pirlo (or Both)?
One of the major talking points from NYCFC’s come-from-behind win over Columbus last time out was the performance of Yangel Herrera.
The Venezuelan couldn’t have impressed much more in his first start for the club at the MAPFRE Stadium, assisting, scoring and providing a dynamic box-to-box present in the center of the pitch.
With Yangel set to depart for the U20 World Cup after this game, it could be a last chance to see him for at least four NYCFC games but let’s not forget about the qualities Andrea Pirlo brings to the table.
This game could be tailor-made for someone who’s one of the world’s best ball-recyclers, who can produce a ball over the top of a backline out of nothing and who can turn out from the press with sheer experience and nous.
Both have their virtues – who will Vieira go with on Sunday? Could he go for both? You’ll find out first here on NYCFC.com an hour before kickoff.
#NYCFCFamily Day
We’re celebrating Family Day on Sunday as we roll out the blue carpet to you and your NYCFC family.
The first 5,000 fans will receive a special David Villa growth chart and there will also be discounted concessions including bags of popcorn for 50% off (from $8 to $4) and $3 soft pretzels (reg. $5).
Submit a photo on social media using the hashtag #NYCFCFamily showing your families’ support for NYCFC and share your story on how you came to follow the club.
Check out the photos featured on our #NYCFCFamily Page so far!
Special Offer
As a special offer for our fans, buy the Family 4-Pack and receive the following:
- 1 t-shirt for Mom
- 4 tickets to the May 7th match against Atlanta United FC
- 4 concession vouchers
- a growth chart for the first 5,000 kids
Purchase your tickets here using the code MOM2017!
Individual Tickets
Don't miss out on Family Day! Purchase your single match tickets by clicking on the image below.
