Shortly after helping Costa Rica lock up a World Cup berth, Rodney Wallace gets back to work with NYCFC.
READ: Major Keys: Playing for Seeds vs New England
He'll get the nod at left wing as Patrick Vieira makes just one change to the starting XI that faced Chicago back on September 30th. Wallace will be replacing Maxi Moralez, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
The back line protecting Sean Johnson's goal remains unchanged, as Andraz Struna, Frederic Brillant, Alexander Callens, and Ben Sweat reprise their roles from just before the international break. Ronald Matarrita is available from Vieira's bench, should this group need any reinforcements.
READ: Vieira: We're Going to Be Prepared
In the midfield, Alex Ring once again anchors a group that also features Yangel Herrera and Tommy McNamara, who makes his 19th start of the season and seventh in a row.
Moving up the field, Jack Harrison and Captain David Villa round out the front three alongside Rodney Wallace, who gets the nod for the first time since September 27th. Harrison is returning to the side after competing for England's U21 squad in a pair of U21 EURO qualifiers.
NYCFC XI: Johnson; Struna, Brillant, Callens, Sweat; Ring, Herrera, McNamara; Harrison, Villa, Wallace
Substitutes: Johansen, White, Awuah, Lopez, Pirlo, Matarrita, Shelton
Key Stats
- Including today, NYCFC has fielded the same defensive personnel for three of the last four matches, conceding just two goals over that span.
- Frederic Brillant makes his 15th start of the season, and his 13th in a row since August 6th.
- With a goal, David Villa can pull level with Nemanja Nikolic for the MLS Golden Boot lead...
- He scored the last time NYCFC faced New England.
- Alexander Callens starts yet again, and is still in contention to play every single minute of the regular season.
- After missing several matches due to injury, Yangel Herrera makes his third appearance in a row for City.
- With a win, and an Atlanta draw or loss, NYCFC can lock up a first-round playoff bye.
