Keys open doors. Three points up for grabs behind this one. Let’s talk about it…
FIRST
Break out your stadium jackets. It’s a first-ever trip to the Land of 10,000 Lakes for NYCFC.
We head into town off the strength of the 2-0 Wednesday win in the Bronx, and we’ll meet a foe that is taking flight towards form as well, having defeated Portland Timbers 3-2 with ten men on 9/22, after earning a tough road point in Salt Lake City the week before.
FRESHIES
The injury report contained the good word on Jesus, and the rest of the squad for that matter not named Herrera or Hountondji, so there’s the possibility of Domènec Torrent rotating the band to get the most out of a week with three matches in three different places.
As always, versatility and depth will be key…
HOME FIELD
We’re away this weekend, but with a win, or a Philadelphia loss, the Boys in Blue will clinch a home playoff game for the third straight season. With New York City FC currently occupying a knockout round spot for the MLS Cup Playoffs, that home game could mean even more in terms of kick-starting what hopes to be our farthest playoff run yet.
GOOD TIMING
...is everything. Especially when it comes to catching fire at the right time for a MLS Cup run.
Just look at Toronto, Seattle, Portland, LA Galaxy, and Sporting KC – the last five winners of the Philip F. Anschutz trophy – and pretty much every other MLS Cup champion, ever.
So it’s a good sign that the likes the aforementioned Jesus and Yangel Herrera are nearing fitness as the calendar turns to October.
If not this weekend, then soon we should be able to have all bodies able and rested with a big break before we head to the District to take on Wayne Rooney and co. on October 21 for our penultimate regular season match.
The resulting competition for places in the biggest matches will have our guys ready to go.
Stick to the plan…
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Whether you’re riding with the Road Blue to the University of Minnesota or posting up at your local Pub Partner, the NYCFC Fam needs to get tighter than ever to make the history we all want. So get together with your fellow City supporters and send us that good energy down the homestretch.
Silverware is up for grabs on the horizon.
