Tag: NYCFC Preview

NYCFC vs DC United: Preview

Tonight we play the best team in the Eastern Conference. After a poor loss to Red Bulls and United’s top form, this game looks to be very difficult for our sky blue team.

Form

NYCFC are as eclectic as ever. After coming out swinging in the first 10 minutes of the Hudson River Derby, we sank into our normal mediocrity for the rest of the match. After Wright-Phillips hit that first goal, we all knew the game was ostensibly over, unless we had a miraculous change of form. Which we didn’t. Point being, NYCFC are playing ok, and expect nothing more and nothing less tonight.

DC are in great form, currently sitting atop the table having a laugh. For all the money spent on superstars and foreign talent below them, DC have put together a team of MLS veterans who all work hard for each other and have been playing quite well. It’s not the sexiest football ever, but when everyone does their job, it’s a well-oiled machine.

Lineups

DC (4-4-2): Hamid (GK), Kemp (LB), Boswell (CB), Birnbaum (CB), Korb (RB), Rolfe (LM), Arnaud (CM), Kitchen (CM), DeLeon (RM), Arrieta (ST), Saborio (ST)

-Fabian Espindola is out with a sprained knee, while Michael Farfan is a doubt with a hamstring injury.

NYCFC (4-5-1): Saunders (GK), Angelino (LB), Mena (CB), Facey (CB), Iraola (RB), Jacobson (CM), Pirlo (CM), McNamara (LM), Poku (CAM), Mix (RM), Villa (ST)

-Lampard picked up a quad injury in training Wednesday and is a doubt for tonight’s game. He could rebound quickly enough to start, but will most likely feature on the bench. Poku should slot in nicely.

-Chris Wingert is still out with a hamstring injury.

-The good news? Ned Grabavoy still has the NYCFC “classic”, aka a right adductor injury. The bad news? Khiry Shelton somehow STILL is injured with a left quad problem. Will he ever make the bench? Who knows. Oh dear.

Final Thoughts

Hey, we could pull off an upset. Right? RIGHT?

Oy vey. At least we get to see what’s supposed to be the best team in the conference. That should be nice.

NYCFC vs Montreal Impact: Preview

On Saturday, August 1st the Montreal Impact will visit Yankee stadium for the second time this year, with kickoff around 2pm.

Form

Montreal are doing unusually well, with a two-game win streak, which is considered something special here in the MLS. They most recently beat the Seattle Sounders in Canada, winning one-nil with a late goal in the 88th minute to seal the win. Granted, Seattle didn’t have Dempsey or Martins and have been on a deeper spiral down than Dante’s inferno, but hey, a win is a win.

If there’s one thing we can say about NYCFC these past few weeks is that it hasn’t been dull. A 4-4 game at home draw versus Toronto. A 5-3 home victory against Orlando City. It’s amazing how many goals we’re scoring, but to be letting in this amount of goals should be making our defensive coaches (if we have any) blow their fucking brains out in the shower. I mean, really. The good news is, we have Pirlo. And if that last 30-something minutes is anything to go off of, we’re in good shape. Our attack has been firing quite well, with Villa enjoying a purple patch, Poku getting playing time and oodles of assists, and McNamara somehow doing good things. Not too bad.

Lineups

Montreal (4-2-3-1): Bush (GK), Gagnon-Lapare (LB), Ciman (CB), Lefevre (CB), Reo-Coker (RB), Bernier (CM), Donadel (CM), Mallace (LM), Piatti (CAM), Duka (RM), Oduro (ST)

-Undoubtedly the biggest question mark over this lineup is whether or not Drogba will feature. While still waiting on his work permit and not having trained with the squad, it’s near impossible that he’ll play.

NYCFC (4-2-3-1): Saunders (GK), Angelino (LB), Facey (CB), Hernandez (CB), Iraola (RB), Jacobson (CM), Pirlo (CM), McNamara (LM), Poku (CAM), Mix (RM), Villa (ST)

-Firstly, this is a pretty cool lineup. The fact that it’s possible that Kreis will play this team is all too exciting.

-Will Pirlo start? Kreis is uncertain. He has, though, been very impressed with Pirlo’s fitness and his training sessions. Pirlo even trained with the subs on Monday, which was impressive. It seems possible he’ll get the start.

-One of the biggest question marks with Lampard and Pirlo in the team is what to do with Mix. On several occasions he’s played for the US team on the right flank, a position where although he feels less comfortable in, he’s excelled. Trusting Kreis to make the correct decision and play him there for NYC is always a tough endeavor, but the fact that he occupied that position as a sub last week, and scored, should be very encouraging. With all three of those guys on the field in good positions, we could have a lot of fun.

-Wingert is out with a hamstring injury (yay!) so one of either Hernandez or Mena will start. While Mena probably has better technical skills, he looked shaky against Orlando, and Hernandez has experience playing with Shay in the center. It’s most likely Mena needs more time to adjust and Hernandez will get the start.

-Oh, by the way, Lampard should make his debut tomorrow. At this point I don’t even believe myself writing that, but it seems true. He’ll come off the bench, a la Pirlo, probably for Poku, which is his natural position. A big wonder is if there’s any way to ever have Poku and Lampard on at the same time. Most likely that’d mean Poku playing out of position, but while the young Ghanaian deserves better for all the work he’s done for this team, the reality is Lampard won’t be benched and Poku’s gotta fight to stay in. We shall see.

-I guess Khiry Shelton just isn’t an MLS player anymore. It seems he’s had a left adductor strain for months, if that’s even possible. I smell a conspiracy. PS in real news, right back Josh Williams has been picked up by Toronto FC, thus freeing up wage space on our team. Mmmm, juicy.

Final Thoughts

Villa has scored three goals in two games versus the Impact. We’ve already beaten them twice, home AND away. We’ve got a far better team than we did when we won those games. For once, and only once, I’m very confident going into this match. We’re just clearly the better team and we will win.

With us level with Montreal on 24 points, this game is crucial to any hopes either side have of making the playoffs. A win here would be crucial, and we’re set up for it. Let’s see if we can make it happen.

NYCFC vs Red Bulls: Preview

Ah, the day is upon us. With all the twitter competitions, the meaningless press conferences, and the overrated blogs, it’s easy to forget that this whole schpiel is about a 90 minute footie match. And how enticing this footie match is indeed.

Form

If you had told me that coming into this match NYCFC would be in far better form I’d probably chloroform you, squeeze your body into the back of my trunk, drop you off at the nearest sanatarium and think nothing of it.

But somehow NYCFC have won 3 MLS matches in a row while Red Bulls were winless in 5 consecutive matches before their scrappy 1 nil midweek home win versus RSL. The Red Bulls even lost, AT HOME, to the Philadelphia Union. Not even NYC have lost to the Union at home, and we’ve sucked for most of this season.

In fact, the Red Bulls’ hot streak ended just after beating us 2-1 in Harrison. Weird vibes, man.

Point is, the Red Bulls haven’t played particularly well the past few games and NYC have exceeded prior expectations, occasionally playing quality football. Going into this game at home in the Bronx, this is a pretty good scenario to have.

Lineups

Red Bulls (4-2-3-1): Robles (GK), Duvall (RB), Miazga (CB), Perrinelle (CB), Lawrence (LB), McCarty (CM), Felipe (CM), Zizzo (LM), Kljestan (CAM), Grella (RM), Wright-Phillips (ST)

-Kljestan is back from serving his suspension and should slot into his preferred role right under the striker.

-Lloyd Sam might make it to the bench, but probably still needs another week to recover from his groin injury.

NYC (4-5-1): Saunders (GK), RJ Allen (RB), Facey (CB), Hernandez (CB), Wingert (LB), McNamara (LM), Grabavoy (CM), Jacobson (CM), Mix (CM), Ballouchy (RM), Villa (ST)

-As per usual, we’d love to see Poku instead of Grabavoy. Last time out Kreis opted for Grabavoy, as Poku had played a full match in midweek. That choice ostensibly payed dividends, as NYC won in Toronto. Although Grabavoy had little to do with that win, he will be trusted in this derby match because of his “MLS experience.”

-As with last game, one of Calle or Williams should make the bench. Shelton is recovering well from a left knee sprain, but if he features at all it would be coming off the bench.

Final Thoughts

With a crowd of at least 45,000 people, it’s hard not to be excited for tomorrow’s derby.

One thing to keep in mind is that while form certainly is influential, often what makes derby matches so great is the fact that both teams want to win this game so much more than other regular league games. When this happens, the play from both sides improves and the game becomes impossible to call. Each team puts forth an inspired performance to match the other and we often see some of footie’s finest moments.

Yet, this isn’t a traditional rivalry as of yet. Sure the first game was heated, but right now the fans of the opposition teams are the ones who are making this a “derby” match. Most of the players are using the “oh-it’s-just-another-3-points” PR tactic.

But soccer players are rarely the best speakers, we’ll see on the pitch how both sides feel about this matchup.

Until then, Death To The Red Bulls.

NYCFC vs Toronto FC: Preview

This Saturday NYCFC travel to Ontario, Canada, for their first visit to Toronto.

Form

Toronto are in really impressive form. After having recently beaten DC United, Toronto extended their win streak to three games, with star man Giovinco in the form of his career with seven goals five assists. At home against bottom placed NYCFC, Toronto will be heavy favorites.

Oh, and there’s NYCFC. To be fair, NYC are in the form of their season. Despite a gut-busting-let’s-not-talk-about-it penalty loss midweek in the US Open Cup, NYC have won their last two MLS matches. Our most recent, an emphatic 3-1 victory over Toronto’s Canadian neighbors, Montreal, is clearly the highlight of our season thus far. With a full lineup, Poku in blistering form, and David Villa back in the lineup, we’d say NYC have at least a chance to compete in this game.

Lineups

Toronto (4-3-1-2): Konopka (GK), Creavelle (RB), Zavaleta (CB), Hagglund (CB), Morrow (RB), Jackson (RCM), Cheyrou (CM), Findley (LCM), Bradley (CAM), Giovinco (CF), Altidore (ST)

-Simonin, Lovitz, and Bloom are all out for Toronto.

-Former Birmingham and Scottish international Steven Caldwell is out with a right achilles injury.

NYCFC: (4-5-1): Saunders (GK), RJ Allen (RB), Facey (CB), Hernandez (CB), Wingert (LB), Jacobson (CDM), Mix (CM), Poku (CM), Ballouchy (RM), McNamara (LM), Villa (ST)

-After Poku’s midweek heroics, it seems foolish to leave him on the bench for this big game. Yet, after playing nearly 90 minutes, there may be reasonable doubts regarding his match fitness. Grabavoy could deputize, but hopefully not.

-Meara, Brandt, and Shelton are still certainly out.

-Both Williams and Calle have been making steady progress and could make the bench.

Final Thoughts

If NYC were to have a chance in this game, we would’ve needed to be in amazing form. We’re in good form. If Villa can replicate his desire from last game, Poku starts, and Ned Grabavoy missing the team bus while being mercilessly tortured by a gang of Syrian refugees, then maybe we’ve got a shot.

Hopefully NYC go for the win, but as Kreis and everyone in this league seems to say “An away tie is a win.”

No, it’s not. If you’re not first, you’re last. And that’s from a wholesome American film that the suits down at the MLS should be able to appreciate.

Good luck lads.

NYCFC vs Houston Dynamo: Preview

Tonight Yankee stadium will host the Houston Dynamo as NYCFC try to do something, anything, to prove they are still a real team.

Interestingly enough, this is not the first time NYC have faced the Dynamo. While it was only a preseason match, we have played against these lads in the Carolina Challenge Cup back in February.

We played a fairly poor game then, losing 2-1, with the only consolation a sweet back heel from McNamara to set up Mix’s emphatic finish.

Ahhhhh, February. We had the whole world ahead of us: “back heels”, “emphatic”, “finishes,” no knowledge of Ned Grabavoy’s consistent mediocrity.  Granted, playing as we did should have been a stiff harbinger for the future, but hey, it was February.

Form

If there’s one thing that can be said about Houston’s season thus far it’s that is has been far from boring.

They’ve had only four wins, two of which have come in the past three games. They tied Sporting KC at home in a 4-all eight goal thriller. Their last match was set to be a tie against the Galaxy in California until a 92nd minute winner by Alan Gordon, giving LA the late victory.

Houston haven’t played all that poorly this season, they’ve just had a lot of unlucky moments. Watch out for British striker Giles Barnes who’s got 5 goals already and holding mid Luis Garrido. Also if you think you see a certain 33-year-old former US international playing left back, you’re not dreaming: it’s the man, the myth, the legend, DaMarcus Beasley.

NYC keep losing. They’ve lost for a while. There’s a few tied games in there. Mostly losses. That’s all.

Lineups

Houston (4-4-2): Deric (GK), Beasly (LB), Taylor (CB), Horst (CB), Rodriguez (RB), Lopez (LM), Clark (CM), Garrido (CM), Garcia (RM), Bruin (ST), Barnes (ST)

-Poster boy Brad Davis caused NYC a whole mess of trouble in that game back in February, so Yankee Stadium will hope that the left midfielder’s right knee bruise doesn’t heal up before this match. He could start, though, if the doctors give him the green light this morning.

-Center back Horst has a slight knee sprain, but is expected to start.

NYCFC: (4-4-2): Saunders (GK), Brandt (LB), Watson-Siriboe (CB), Hernandez (CB), Facey (RB), Ballouchy (LM), Mix (CM), Jacobson (CM), Shelton (RM), Villa (ST), Mullins (ST)

-It’s possible that NYCFC are using the same medical staff as Arsenal have been using for the past few years. There are SIX players who could possibly not play, FIVE of those defenders.

-Left back Calle and right back Williams are both certainly out, with a right quad strain and left adductor strain, respectively.

-Wing backs Brovsky and RJ Allen seem to be forming some type of chemistry, as both are questionable with right quad strains. Twins!

-Center back Wingert looks doubtful with a right hamstring problem.

-Ned Grabavoy is our final name on this list, with a pelvic injury (HA, loser!) having kept him out of a few matches. We’d usually be celebrating another match without him, but at this point it doesn’t even matter.

Final Thoughts

I think we could get a tie. But then again I also thought Pluto was a real planet, Arsenal would finally win the league this year, and NYCFC had a chance of making the playoffs.

Maybe try to play well? I don’t know. I really don’t know.

NYCFC vs Seattle Sounders: Preview

On Sunday, May 3rd NYCFC host Seattle Sounders in Yankee Stadium at 7pm ET.

The real question is: do we have to?

Form

Sounders are in great form. Recently winning their hotly contested rivalry match against Portland 1-0, Seattle currently sit at third place in the Western Conference. NYCFC are in eighth in the Eastern.

Seattle have over twice as many points as NYC, and have played a game less.

Seattle have twice as many goals as NYC, with a game less.

Seattle have won 3 of their last 4 matches. NYC haven’t won in 6 games.

Simply put, Seattle are playing very well and NYC are playing very poorly.

Lineups

Seattle (4-2-2-2): Frei (GK), Remick (LB), Evans (CB), Scott (CB), Mears (RB), Alonso (CM), Pineda (CM), Neagle (LAM), Pappa (RAM), Dempsey (ST), Martins (ST)

-Seattle don’t have any players injured. Really? Really. None.

NYC (4-5-1): Saunders (GK), Brovsky (LB), Wingert (CB), Watson-Siriboe (CB), Facey (RB), Ballouchy (CM), Mix (CM), Poku (CM), Grababoy (LM), Shelton (RM), Mullins (ST)

-NYCFC have so many injuries and near injury returns that this game seems impossible to predict. Jacobson is out with a suspension, and although a Poku start seems like wishful thinking, there’s some magic in the air and we’re feelin’ it. But that could just be the fumes from the 2nd Avenue subway construction.

-Right back Williams could start at right back, but is battling an adductor strain.

-Villa completed a full session of training on Friday and could make the start, but will at least be on the bench. Unless he stubs his toe on his walk over. Or breaks his hip on an escalator. But yeah, 33-year-old DP’s are great. Good thing Lampard’s bringing in some fresh young legs soon.

-Nemec and Jason Hernandez are battling hamstring and calf strains, respectively. Expect one of them to make the bench.

Final Thoughts

Martins and Dempsey are arguably the league’s best striking duo, and NYCFC have been arguably the worst team in the league the past few games.

That, coupled with the host of aforementioned statistical facts, does not bode well for NYCFC. We’d like to say home advantage will play a part, but NYC haven’t done anything better at home than away for the past few games.

Tickets for this game have been in high demand in the weeks leading up to Sunday. One has to wonder if people are more excited about seeing NYCFC or Clint “Deuce” Dempsey.

Anyway, let’s hope for the best. Realistically we will lose.

Yay NYC!

NYCFC vs Chicago Fire: Preview

On Friday, April 24th at 8pm, NYCFC travel to Toyota Park to take on the Chicago Fire.

Form

Chicago haven’t played a game for over two weeks, and they will hope that doesn’t interfere with their good run of form.

After a dicey start to the season Chicago recorded back to back home wins against Philadelphia and Toronto. Granted, neither of those teams have necessarily lit up the MLS this season, but NYC lost and tied against Philly.

DP and former “free-kick-which-relegated-QPR” taker Shaun Maloney will look to bolster his strong partnership with Chicago native Harry Shipp as they take on a weak NYCFC side. If these two have a strong game together it could be a long night for NYC fans.

NYCFC are on a dismal run of form. Nothing is going right at the moment. Copious injuries, horrible finishing, losing at home, and just overall poor play. It is difficult to imagine NYCFC coming out of Chicago with anything more than 1 point, but then again, this is the MLS. Colorado Rapids did beat FC Dallas in Texas 4 nil. If that’s possible then I don’t rule anything out.

If NYC are to pull off an upset here, they’ll have to play to their potential, and then some.

Lineups

Chicago (4-2-3-1): Busch (GK), Jones (LB), Adailton (CB), Larentowicz (CB), Gehrig (RB), Stephens (CM), Polster (CM), Accam (LM), Maloney (CAM), Shipp (RM), Amarikwa (ST)

-Stephens is struggling with an injury and may be replaced by Chris Ritter

NYCFC (4-3-3): Saunders (GK), Calle (LB), Wingert (CB), Watson-Siriboe (CB), Brovsky (RB), Jacobson (CM), Ballouchy (CM), Grabavoy (CM), Velasquez (RM), Shelton (LM), Mullins (ST)

-David Villa did not train with the team on Wednesday, and looks a doubt. Mix Diskerud could make it back but also looks a doubt.

-Shay Facey is back in training and could get a spot on the bench. Defender Williams is an injury doubt.

-Jason Hernandez is still out, but likely will return for the Seattle game.

Final Thoughts

NYCFC will be looking for inspiration from an injury laden team on a poor run of form.

Kreis may opt to keep his formation, as it did result in the most shots NYC have taken this season. Although Mullins had a very solid game, he often drifted wide in order to pick up the ball and then would cross it into the centre, only for no one to be there. It might be worth hauling off a midfielder for Nemec so Mullins has someone to aim for.

While Chicago aren’t the strongest team in the league, their trio of Ghanian DP Accam, Scottish DP Maloney, and youth product Shipp will probably be too much for NYCFC to handle.

Tune in tomorrow on Univision or their live stream tomorrow at 8pm to find out.

NYCFC vs Portland Timbers: Preview

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.

NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union: Preview

So we play the Union, again. On a Thursday. And then another game on Sunday. MLS.

Form

Last Saturday night we went to PPL Park hoping to take advantage of some poor form from the Philly team. Instead, we gave them their first win of their season with some awful soccer all around.

This game will be fascinating, as so few times in the footie world do you get two teams playing each other back to back in such a short span of time.

Neither team played particularly well in the first match, and you figure NYC will have more desire to win this game. In front of their home crowd, looking for revenge, they seem the favorites. But then again, I thought they’d win in Philly.

NYCFC need to shoot on the rookie keeper that Philly will be starting. A win would be welcome, but some encouraging play would do more. We’re home. Let’s shoot on this keeper, let’s have some smart passing, let’s play some fucking football.

Lineups

Philly (4-2-3-1): John McCarthy (GK), Gaddis (LB), Edu (CB), Vitoria (CB), Williams (RB), Nogueira (CM), Lahoud (CM), Wegner (LM), Pfeffer (CAM), Mbu (RM), Le Toux (ST)

-Philly have said that Le Toux is available after crashing into the advertisements on Saturday.

-Striker Aristeguieta is still an injury doubt, but could be started, replacing Wegner and moving Le Toux to left mid.

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

-With Mix playing Mexico on Wednesday night, NYCFC’s midfield will need a shuffle. Our huge hopes are that he starts Kwadwo Poku, who played an encouraging 90 minutes for the Wilmington Hammerheads (which isn’t saying a lot) this past Sunday. He’d be the perfect spark that NYC have been missing. But realistically, that won’t happen.

-The alternative is to move Ned “I play poorly and I get 90 minutes” Grabavoy to center mid and bring in Calle, Velasquez, or Ballouchy. Unfortunately, Kreis may well opt for Ballouchy as the first two might be considered too “attacking,” especially with Shelton on the opposite flank.

Final Thoughts

Kreis may fuck us over by not starting Poku, by playing Ballouchy, and by generally not changing the squad much.

But we hope he doesn’t. This team played poorly only a few days ago, and new blood is needed to shake things up. Yet ultimately, it’s not even Kreis’s decisions that will hinder us, it’s our play.

We need these boys to step up. Jason Hernandez spoke of this being the perfect time to get back out there and put in a quality performance, let’s see if the rest of the team follows suit.

These are important days for our New York City footie club. Let’s see what they’ve got.

NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union: Preview

On Saturday, April 11th NYCFC travel to Philly to take on the Union.

Form 

Philadelphia are playing badly. They have yet to win a game this season and have lost their past three. Their defense has been in shambles and their midfielders often look void of ideas.

However, they were minutes away from a huge away win at Kansas City last Monday, only for Kansas to score two goals in stoppage time. Philly will certainly be encouraged by their almost-upset, but odds are the morale will be depleted after being stripped of the win. It seems, no matter how hard Philly try, they can’t win.

In front of their home fans this time, they’ll hope for better.

NYCFC have had a nice little vacation. Their bye week came at a perfect time, with injuries and disappointing form creeping up on them. Shelton and Nemec are back from duty, Villa, Velasquez, and Williams are back from injury, and Facey is no longer suspended (although reports indicate he is doubtful for the match through injury).

With a near full squad at his disposal head coach Jason Kreis will go into Saturday’s game with a fresh squad that hopefully have been addressing some of the early season issues. NYC have been very inconsistent in their play and will hope to make the best out of a match against very weak opponents.

Lineups

Philly (4-3-2-1): M’Bholi (GK), Gaddis (RB), Vitoria (CB), Edu (CB), Fabinho (LB), Carrol (CM), Lahoud (CM), Wegner (RM), Pfeffer (CAM), Le Toux (LM), Aristeguieta (ST)

-M’Bholi might be benched after a few disappointing games.

-Watch out for Philly’s Venezuelan striker Aristeguieta. He’s on a good run of form, with 3 goals already this season.

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

-While this is most likely what Kreis will play, we’d love to see Poku and Watson-Siriboe get starts after very promising outings from them against Kansas. While there is little to no chance that Poku gets the start, we hope Kreis noticed Watson-Siriboe’s chemistry with Hernandez and will give that partnership a chance to flourish.

Final Thoughts

This looks like a great opportunity for NYC to bounce back from their first loss of the season. The Union have been very weak defending set pieces and winning aerial duels this season, which bodes well for NYCFC’s main tactical plan: “Kick it to Nemec.” Playing Philly twice in the same week means two probable wins, assuming we play well.

And that’s a big assumption, just ask the Colorado Rapids. The Rapids are basically the worst team in the league (no wins in last 18 matches) and they gave NYC a very difficult time.

If NYCFC come out swinging, this game could be wrapped up in the first half. Philly are in a rut of form and we should take advantage. Let’s hope it’s always sunny in Philadelphia for NYCFC.

How To Watch

Ah, baseball. Welcome to NYCFC being co-owned by the Yankees. The match against Philly will be tape delayed (yes- you heard me right) because of the Yankees match against the Boston Red Sox. Let’s go team!

The game will thus be shown an hour later on YES, so turn off your cell phone, Bleacher Report updates and other crap so you don’t hear about Adam Nemec’s strike before you see it.

We’ll see you after the game. Yay baseball!