New York City FC returns to the Bronx on Wednesday night for a late-season meeting with New England Revolution.
Managing Editor Mark Booth looks into the Keys to the Match, presented by Tri-State Ford…
Apply Some Pressure
Depending on whether you’re a glass half empty or glass half full type, NYCFC either missed a big opportunity this weekend, or they lost one of their toughest road games on a weekend where their Conference rivals also slipped up.
Dome Torrent’s men lost no ground on Atlanta and Red Bulls, who lost to DC United and Montreal respectively, but time is running out to catch them with seven matches of the campaign remaining and seven points separating City from top spot.
This is the only midweek encounter in MLS this week, meaning NYCFC have a big chance to assert some pressure on those ahead for the first time in a while as the fight for the byes to the Conference final heats up…
The Visitors
To keep that pressure on, NYCFC will have to improve their recent record against New England, who have lost just one of the last five vs. the Boys in Blue (2W 2D), netting an average of two goals per game.
The Revs are struggling for form though, winning none of their last nine games (6L 3D), conceding 12 goals in that span.
Earlier in the season, these teams shared an entertaining 2-2 draw at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough with Ismael Tajouri-Shradi scoring twice, while City were last-minute victors thanks to Jonathan Lewis on New England’s last visit to Yankee Stadium in 2017.
How will this one shake out?
More Absentees
City’s task will be made tougher by the FIFA international window which deprives Torrent of four players on his roster.
Central midfield remains a concern with Ebenezer Ofori away with Ghana and Yangel Herrera still a long-term absentee, however, Eloi Amagat is back available after his suspension and will be hoping to atone for his Red Bulls red card on his debut in what could be his second appearance in the Bronx.
Elsewhere, Maxime Chanot, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Rodney Wallace are away with Luxembourg, Libya and Costa Rica and will miss the next two, meaning Torrent will have to juggle his squad like never before to keep NYC in contention.
Playoff Course
Recent setbacks aside, NYCFC know the ultimate prize will be decided on December 8 and it’s most important to be healthy and in-form going into the post-season.
As Alex Ring said in Columbus: “We as players have to reflect on ourselves. We still haven’t lost anything. We are still on Playoff course and if we bring the quality and intensity there’s not a lot of teams that beat us.”
City’s home form has been incredible in 2018 with the home faithful most recently roaring us on to that thrilling nine-man draw with Red Bulls – more of the same will be required on Wednesday and Saturday as we look to find form going into business time.
