NYCFC play their second match in a span of 4 days against the Portland Timbers this Sunday at 7pm.

Form

The Timbers have had an odd start to this year’s MLS season. After 3 consecutive draws against tough opposition (RSL, LA, SKC) they were beaten by the ever impressive Whitecaps. They then bounced back from that loss at home to beat the strong Dallas FC team 3-1, yet lost two-nil at home seven days later against the shaky outfit of Orlando City.

They aren’t playing particularly poorly, but they are certainly struggling for consistency (as with nearly every MLS team). After beating Dallas at home they must have been furious to have lost to Orlando in their own stadium. Some good form would have helped them tremendously for the next few away games. They’ll be coming to Yankee stadium hoping for a win that they can undoubtedly get, but they’ll have to play to their potential.

NYC played some of their best football this season against the Union on Thursday, yet they gave up a stupid goal after some generally lethargic play in the last 20 minutes.

Which leads us to ask: If NYC couldn’t keep their energy up for a full match, will they be able to have any energy for a game with only 3 days rest?

We hope they can. This season is becoming a tricky one for Kreis to maneuver and a home win would do him and the team a world of good.

Lineups

Portland: (4-2-3-1): Kwarasey (GK), Powell (RB), Borchers (CB), Ridgewell (CB), Villafana (LB), Chara (CM), Jewsbury (CM), Asprilla (RM), Nagbe (CAM), Wallace (LM), Adi (ST)

-Nagbe will be a constant threat, as he weaves together the attack of this Portland team. Portland have created many more chances than NYC this season and in order to win this game NYC will need to make sure Nagbe has no space to work.

NYCFC (4-2-2): Saunders (GK), Brovsky (LB), Hernandez (CB), Wingert (CB), Williams (RB), Jacobson (CM), Mix (CM), Grabavoy (LM), Ballouchy (RM), Nemec (ST), Villa (ST)

-Please, dear god, bench Ned Grabavoy. Kreis probably won’t ever do it, but he’s been playing really poorly. He offers no width, no pace, no tricks, his passing has been off, and even his much lauded work rate has dipped as of late. But Kreis loves the guy. Oy vey.

-It’s a shame that Ballouchy scored on Thursday. With Mix back from an impressive display with the USMNT he’ll move into center mid, pushing Ballouchy out right, effectively forcing the ever energetic Shelton to the bench. Which is a shame. Expect him off the bench quickly, he may even start if Villa’s niggling injury keeps him out.

-Poku was brilliant last match and we expect him off the beach early into the second half as well, especially if things aren’t going our way.

Final Thoughts

It will be a very difficult game for NYC, seeing as the past two games against one of the worst teams in league resulted in a loss and a draw.

The team will be tired and will need something special to beat this Portland outfit. We expect a draw.

But expecting anything from NYC is a fool’s errand, as their level of performances fluctuates so greatly that we really have no idea what will happen this Sunday night.

All we can do is wish them luck, hope for the best and maybe a tear of the meniscus for Ned Grabavoy.

Let’s see how it goes.