Rookie winger Jonathan Lewis will make his first start for NYCFC today as they take on the Chicago Fire at Yankee Stadium. Lewis last featured for NYCFC back in June, playing the final 12 minutes of their late comeback victory over the Philadelphia Union and causing plenty of trouble down the flank.
The SuperDraft pick out of Akron is part of a lineup that features three changes made by Head Coach Patrick Vieira for this double game week. Frederic Brillant, making his third start of the season, will take the place of the injured Maxime Chanot, while Ethan White will lineup next to him in place of RJ Allen.
Rounding out the backline will be an unchanged left side of Alexander Callens and Ben Sweat, who have made for a nearly ever-present partnership this season.
Moving into midfield, the center of the park remains unchanged as Maxi Moralez and Yangel Herrera start in front of Alexander Ring. Moralez is back in the lineup for the second straight match after making his return to the XI from injury this past Wednesday, scoring a brilliant goal to put NYCFC ahead in the second half.
In the attack, David Villa captains NYCFC while Jack Harrison and Jonathan Lewis will lineup opposite each other on the wings. It's fair to bet Lewis will be looking to make the most out of his big opportunity against one of the league's top sides.
He won't be alone, as Vieira's group will be hungry to improve on Wednesday's performance and take the full three points at Yankee Stadium.
Today's match kicks off at 2:00 PM ET on YES Network and MLS Live.
READ: How to Follow: NYCFC vs. Chicago Fire
NYCFC XI: Johnson; White, Brillant, Callens, Sweat; Ring, Herrera, Moralez; Harrison, Lewis, Villa (C)
NYCFC Bench: Johansen, Lopez, Okoli, Stertzer, Awuah, McNamara, Pirlo, Allen
