New York City FC hosts Real Salt Lake with a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference Thursday at 7 p.m. at Yankee Stadium. (Fox Sports Go | WFAN | WQBU| International)
NYCFC (4-4-6), which is level on points with the Montreal Impact and one behind the Philadelphia Union ahead of midweek play, has lost just once in their last seven games.
The Club is coming off a 2-2 draw with Orlando City SC on Sunday, conceding the equalizing goal in the dying seconds of second-half stoppage time. Frederic Brillant scored his first MLS goal in the first half and David Villa netted his league-leading ninth on a sublime chip in the second half.
“I thought the attitude and mentality coming out today was really good. We were up 2-0 and could have been 3-0 so I think the guys responded well,” defender Jason Hernandez said. “Unfortunately we took another punch tonight. It’s going to be a test of our character. The guys are going to work hard and get ready for Thursday.”
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Real Salt Lake (6-4-2) is fourth in the Western Conference with 20 points, eight behind the leading Colorado Rapids. The Claret and Cobalt have lost three of their last four games, including a wild 4-3 defeat to the Columbus Crew SC Saturday. Trailing 4-1 after Ola Kamara netted his third, RSL roared back to pull within 4-3 on goals by Jordan Allen and Joao Plata five minutes apart late in the second half.
This is the second all-time meeting between the clubs with Real Salt Lake coming away with a 2-0 victory at Rio Tinto Stadium May 23, 2015.
SEE NYCFC TAKE ON REAL SALT LAKE ON JUNE 2
“We are focused,” goalkeeper Josh Saunders said. “I think we had a five percent drop rate. We just need to be introspective and find a way to win games. We need to continue to work hard. We are creating some good plays and scoring goals.”
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