#SupportYourCity has been our MLS Playoffs rallying cry and it’s one that Patrick Vieira calls to mind when discussing tomorrow’s clash with Toronto FC.
The Frenchman believes that home supporters can make the difference and help the team produce a famous comeback from two goals down.
Fans at Yankee Stadium have gotten behind their side all season long and now NYCFC’s Head Coach wants you to roar our boys to victory on Sunday afternoon.
Patrick was extremely complimentary on the Toronto supporters following the game at BMO Field, now he wants even more from those in the Bronx this weekend.
Vieira told NYCFC.com: “The fans have a massive part to play – in the first game the supporters in Toronto were fantastic.
“They had an impact in the game and hopefully ours will turn up massively and be behind the team because we will need them to turn things around.
“In the game we will go through a difficult period and we will need them to be the 12th man, to get behind and support the team in these moments.
“Because we strongly believe we can turn this around and their help will be massively important.”
NYCFC kept Toronto at bay until the 84th minute in the first leg at Toronto, putting up a strong defensive performance for the majority of the match until the two late concessions.
Vieira says that if he could go back and change his lineup, he wouldn’t, but admits that the setup will have to be more offensive on Sunday if his team are to advance to the Eastern Conference final.
He reflected: “If I had to do it again, I would make the same decision again.
“When you play against a team like that it’s going to be really difficult for us not to concede so we have to have a different approach because we are 2-0 down. It’s important for us to create chances, it’s important for us to score goals, not to concede – it will be difficult.
"We will prepare and we’re going to give ourselves the best chance to succeed. We’re going to prepare well and we’re going to give everything.”
Vieira will be boosted by the fact that David Villa is available for selection.
NYCFC’s top-scorer was the subject of criticism from Toronto FC Head Coach Greg Venney for an incident in the first leg but Major League Soccer found no wrongdoing after a review of the video footage.
Patrick added: “I’m really pleased with the league’s decision. They reviewed the decision and I’m pleased with the decision they came to and respect it.”
