NYCFC are hosting league newcomers Minnesota United for the first time ever Thursday night.
MNUFC sit in 9th place in the Western Conference standings through 17 matches, four points out of the final playoff spot. The expansion side has won just two out of it's last six matches, while NYCFC are unbeaten in their last four.
In their last match at Yankee Stadium before a long international break, Patrick Vieira's squad could extend their current winning streak to four matches–equaling the longest in club history–with a win over the Loons. Can they do it without playmaker Maxi Moralez?
The Argentine midfielder is still working his way back to full fitness after injuring his calf, but with Ronald Matarrita back in the side, only Khiry Shelton will join him on the injury report.
Meanwhile, Sean Johnson is preparing for the Gold Cup with the U.S. Men's National Team.
But while one U.S. international leaves, another enters. U.S. Women's National Team legend Brandi Chastain will be at the match for Soccer Sister's Night alongside author Andrea Montalbano. You can purchase tickets for a special meet and greet with Brandi before the match right here.
Things are looking a bit tougher for the visitors, who will have three consistent contributors, including the first overall pick of this year's SuperDraft Abu Danladi, among their list of injured players. Taking over Danladi's attacking responsibilities will likely be Costa Rican international Johan Venegas, while Jermaine Taylor could step in for Brent Kallman in the center of the Loons' defense.
Injury Report
NYCFC:
- Suspended: None
- Int'l Duty: GK Sean Johnson
- Injured: OUT – M Maxi Moralez, F Khiry Shelton
Minnesota United FC
- Suspended: None
- Int'l Duty: None
- Injured: OUT – M Bernardo Anor, M/D Thomas de Villardi, D Joseph Greenspan, D Marc Burch, F Abu Danladi, D Vadim Demidov, D Brent Kallman
