New York City FC bolstered their squad in the summer transfer window with the addition of four new players.
Defenders Andoni Iraola, Angelino and Jefferson Mena and midfielder Andrea Pirlo were all acquired within the last month. Midfielder Frank Lampard also made his Club debut recently.
Players and coaches realize the new additions will need some time to get acclimated to their new teammates. New York City FC hope the adjustment period is a quick one as the Club travels to New Jersey for a third and final derby match against the Red Bulls this season.
Kickoff is 7 p.m. ET from Red Bull Arena (FOX Sports 1, WFAN, WADO).
“We need to be winning games and getting shutouts,” goalkeeper Josh Saunders said in regards to last week's loss to Montreal. “It’s going to take time, but we don’t have time right now. We don’t have that luxury. We need points. We need to work harder and we need to be better. We will move forward and get better, myself included.”
"We have 12 matches left and we have a guesstimate of how many points we'll need from those matches to qualify for the playoffs," head coach Jason Kreis said. "A lot of those matches are against Eastern Conference opponents above us in the table. All of these matches are gaining significance as the season winds down."
New York City FC (6-10-6; 24 points) currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference, while the Red Bulls (9-6-6; 33 points) rank second. New York City FC lost 3-2 to Montreal on August 1 at Yankee Stadium, while the Impact and Red Bulls drew 1-1 on Wednesday night at Stade Saputo.
New York City FC’s defense surrendered three goals at home for the second consecutive week and has allowed 11 goals in the last four matches (1-2-1).
“We’re trying to be more coordinated,” Kreis said. “Both goals (against Montreal) came in very similar fashion – long balls over the top. With a little bit clearer communication and quicker decision making I don’t think both of those are goals.”
The Red Bulls, who extended their unbeaten streak to three matches following the mid-week draw with the Impact, have also added new pieces. Jesse Marsch’s squad recently signed former England international Shaun Wright-Phillips and Argentinian Designated Player Gonzalo Veron.
Wright-Phillips made his debut last weekend, winning a penalty kick and assisting on Bradley Wright-Phillips’ goal in the 74th minute in a 3-1 win at Philadelphia on August 1.
New York City FC’s new additions have had an immediate impact as well. Pirlo had a hand in two goals in the 5-3 win over Orlando City SC on July 26, while Angelino has a pair of assists in four appearances (three starts).
Lampard, who came on for Andrew Jacobson in the 69th minute to make his New York City FC debut against Montreal, is confident the team will mesh well at this vital time.
“There are obviously things we need to improve on because we aren’t winning enough games,” Lampard said. “I don’t have too many fears because with the quality of this team I think once we get a bit of time training together, it’s within us to do what we want. There’s enough ability here to go on a run of wins and put us in competition for a playoff spot which is what we all want.
"Three points is what we need, no matter who we're playing."
