New York City FC is back on the road as they head to New Jersey to take on the Red Bulls in the first leg of the Hudson River Derby.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Tri-State Fordā¦
Strength in Numbers
City has been without key starters in the past few games due to injury and international call ups. Luckily, the players are trickling back to Dome Torrentās roster.
Sean Johnson and Alex Callens returned to the Big Apple after competing for their respective national teams in international tournaments. Now that they are back, they will be available for selection in the Derby.
As far as injuries are concerned, HĆ©ber, who had been out with a hamstring injury, made his return to the XI in the U.S. Open Cup match against Orlando City SC. He has yet to make his comeback in regular-season games.
Along with HĆ©ber, Tony Rocha is back to full physicality and could make his return to the midfield on Sunday.
They will all make their return to Dome Torrentās roster for selection in the regular season matchup against our rivals, the Red Bulls.
Hudson River Derby
The Hudson River Derby has been a well-known rivalry throughout NYCFCās short five seasons.
Like Johnson told reporters, āI think I expect a hard-fought match against the Red Bulls, itās always a little bit of a different feeling compared to other league games - especially now being at their place.ā
Although the first matchup of the season is on their home turf, the Road Blues have done well this season with only one loss on the road.
As they travel to New Jersey, theyāll be on their A-game trying to bring home another three points.
Bouncing Back
Although NYCFC has only tasted defeat twice in their MLS Season 5, theyāll look to make their come back in the Derby.
With the return of key players, bring back depth to the roster, the team will be in near full form.
Sean Johnsonās return in net brings strength back to City. Although Brad Stuver held down the fort in the big manās absence, the ākeeper has come up big for his team when theyāve needed him and he is itching to put on his gloves and take the field with the Boys in Blue once again.
Another key return is Alex Callens, whose absence caused a shift in Torrentās formation. Callens' return will bring that Iron Man power to the defensive line.
HĆ©ber took the pitch with his squad on Wednesday, for the Open Cup, but his presence on the field automatically adds to the teamās confidence. The strikerās arrival spurred NYCFC back to their winning ways, and he will look to once again get his team back on top.
As the Boys in Blue look to bounce back in the Derby, theyāll be eager to bring home the win and continue their ascent up the table.
Climbing the Table
At this point in the young season, many people have said it before, but the East is still up for grabs.
NYCFC currently sits in 5th place on the Table for the Eastern Conference, one spot above the Red Bulls. Like the Hudson River, only one point separates the two teams.
Meanwhile, Montreal Impact and Atlanta United are above City, with yet again one point between them.
A win on Sunday could put the Boys in Blue in second place, tied with D.C. United in points and wins, but with the goal differential being the tie-breaker NYCFC would win out.
Road Blues
As City hits the road to head to New Jersey, they will need the 12th man to show up and show out, as theyāve done time and time again.
If you canāt make the commute, tune in to FS1 or head to Katch Astoria and cheer on New York Cityās Football Club on Sunday.
Letās go, you Boys in Blue #ForTheCity!