After 22 days, New York City FC returns to action in the District, with their first-ever trip to Audi Field.
A resurgent DC United stand in the way of a guaranteed home Knockout Round game and Head Coach Domènec Torrent has named a strong lineup.
With the exception of Ronald Matarrita, those taking part in international matches in the break are kept in reserve, with Ben Sweat and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi on the bench.
With Jo Inge Berget and Maxi Moralez on the injury list, Jesus Medina, David Villa and Taty Castellanos lead the line in the capital, with Eloi Amagat, Ebenezer Ofori and Alex Ring across the midfield.
At the back, Matarrita returns to left-back with Anton Tinnerholm on the opposite side, flanking Alexander Callens and Sebastien Ibeagha at the heart of the back four, ahead of Sean Johnson in goal.
On the bench, Yangel Herrera makes his long-awaited return to the 18 after recovering from his ankle injury and should be good for 20 minutes or so, according to Torrent in the week.
Tommy McNamara, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Rodney Wallace are also among the substitutes, while Maxime Chanot misses out entirely with a tweak sustained in training yesterday.
Kick-off at Audi Field is at 3pm and you can watch the game on the YES Network or listen at NYCFC.com/Radio.
NYCFC XI: Johnson, Tinnerholm, Ibeagha, Callens, Matarrita, Ring, Amagat, Ofori, Medina, Castellanos, Villa (C)
Subs: Stuver, Sweat, Sands, Herrera, McNamara, Wallace, Tajouri-Shradi
Key Stats
- D.C. and New York drew 1-1 at Yankee Stadium last month. It was the lone draw in eight games between the clubs, with NYCFC having four wins prior to that game (3L).
- D.C. United is unbeaten since Sept. 1st (6W-2D), the only MLS team without a loss in that time. They have gotten 20 points since then, five more than any other club.
- NYCFC have won just four of 16 road games this year. If they fail to win, they will match the franchise worst total for road victories in a regular season established in their inaugural season.
- D.C. United lead MLS with 36 right footed goals this year, while NYCFC have the most left footed goals in the league with 30.
- D.C. United had 31.1% possession against NYCFC on September 6th, the seventh time this year they have had under 40% of the ball in a game. Their record in those matches is 3W-2L- 2D.
- Ismael Tajouri-Shradi has scored 6.34 goals above his xG total for the season (11 goals on an xG of 4.66). Since 2013, only 10 players have had a higher xG differential.
- Bill Hamid has saved 80.7% of shots since his return to D.C. United. No other MLS keeper with 3+ appearances has a save percentage above 78%.
- Since his return of injury on Aug. 12th, David Villa has five goals+assists (four goals, one assist). No teammate has more than three in that time.
- Wayne Rooney now his six goals in his last five MLS appearances. Rooney’s 1.05 goals+assists per 90 ranks seventh in the league among players with at least 1,000 minutes played this year.
- Anton Tinnerholm has scored four goals for New York City FC. Since 2010, only one defender has scored more goals in a single season.
