New York City FC will play their third home match of the 2016 MLS season on Saturday, March 26 at 3PM ET, against New England Revolution.
GET TICKETS TO THE MATCH AGAINST NEW ENGLAND!
The teams met three times in 2015. The first meeting, on March 15, was New York City FC’s Historic Home Opener that the Club won 2-0. Captain David Villa scored one goal and assisted the other in a sold-out match at Yankee Stadium.
Team Comparison:
Every time NYCFC plays Orlando City SC, in the next match David Villa scores (March 15 vs. New England, Aug 1 vs. Montreal, Oct. 25 vs. New England). He has also scored in every home match against New England (March 15, Oct 25). Villa will look to improve on his two goals so far this season in the upcoming matchup.
RELATED: NEW YORK CITY FC VS NEW ENGLAND INJURY REPORT
New England Revolution midfielder Diego Fagundez is off to a fast start recording a goal and two assists in his first three matches.
David Villa vs Diego Fagundez:
New York City manager Patrick Vieira said, “It’s been a really interesting week because I’m learning more about the players. This has been really good. This is what I was expecting from players coming back after the game, really determined, working hard this week because the result wasn’t the one we wanted. The reaction we had this week was really positive and I can’t wait for the game on Saturday. I think the fans should just remember this is a new football club we’re trying to build here. What is important for fans is for them to see how the team works hard on the field."
"I think the last game we played, the only thing missing was the goal. What I think is important in football is to create chances and we did it during this game. I strongly believe that the goals will come.”
Team Ranking - Goals:
Against Orlando City, New York City FC attempted 631 passes which was the highest single match total in the Club’s MLS franchise history and fifth most by any team since the start of MLS 2015. NYCFC also completed 82.7% of its passes which was its third-highest single-game passing accuracy in a single MLS match in franchise history.
RELATED: ALL GOALS SCORED AGAINST NEW ENGLAND
NYCFC midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy said, “It’s a tough loss at home but I think we’re looking forward, we're preparing very well and we’re ready for this weekend. I think we’ll have a strong group. Obviously we’re missing a few guys for national team call-ups this weekend but I think the guys that are around are playing really well and are ready to go. They’re top quality guys and whoever gets the call will be ready.”
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New York City FC defender Jason Hernandez said, “I think any time we drop points at home, it’s pretty frustrating and guys are upset but I think understanding the performance and some of the things we tried to do and were successful at is something to build on. It’s early on in the season, we can’t hang our heads too low. We have to dust ourselves off and get ready for the next match. New England isn’t going to be sorry for us. They’re going to come in here looking to give us a good game so we’re preparing very well during the week and I think we’ll be ready come Saturday. All around, we’re more solid as each week goes by and even though we’re missing some guys, it’s going to be a great opportunity to show that we’re improving still and hopefully come away with the full three points."
"It’s a perfect storm for a lot of guys who are hungry. A lot of guys have been training very well and they’re going to get an opportunity to go out and show the coach why they should be in the first team, why they should be getting minutes. I know, as a player who’s been on the other side of things, it’s a great opportunity and a great time to step on the field and show what you’ve got. I know we’re looking forward to those guys making a big impact.”
New England has conceded a league-high six road goals in MLS 2016. Last season, New England allowed 35 away goals which was the fifth-most overall in the league.
Look for New York City FC to bounce back as they take on New England Revolution at 3PM ET at Yankee Stadium. Get your tickets today!
Match Preview:
Broadcast: YES | WFAN | WADO | International
