A quick turnaround has us nearing the midpoint of another three game week in MLS.
Next up: Bastian Schweinsteiger and the rest of the Chicago Fire blow into town for a Wednesday night matchup in the BX.
Here’s what could make the difference and get us back to winning ways…
Better, Now for Best…
A 1-1 draw vs. Montreal is nothing to scoff at, especially when one takes a look at the Canadian club’s recent run of form – using their counter to devastating affect in a 3-0 defeat over Red Bulls on 9/1 and a 4-1 thrashing of Philadelphia on 9/15. The Boys in Blue looked a good bit more cohesive in possession on Saturday evening, no surprise with internationals and injureds coming back to the squad alike. With Chicago winless in their last nine road games (6L-3D) and being outscored 21-11 along the way – could this be the night NYCFC gets the Bronx bouncing again?
Jo-ing The Distance
Jo Inge Berget put in a productive 64 minutes in Montreal on his return from injury – creating NYCFC’s only goal of the match and serving admirably as the target striker against an Impact side content to sit back and try to strike on the counter. His early second half hook should have him ready to go again in a couple of days time…
Sands of Time
Speaking of fresh legs, NYCFC’s first ever homegrown James Sands could be in line to return to the Yankee Stadium stage – where he made his first ever start for the club just a couple of weeks back. Sands has looked stronger every-time out, and with a trip to Minnesota looming for the weekend, the man Dome calls “Jimmy” could have a big role to play in keeping the team competitive and fit as we get closer to crunch time.
Reunions All Around
It’s commonplace in MLS 2018 – but world class professionals who have done it all in football will be everywhere you look on Wednesday. Of course David Villa and Schweinsteiger are two of the generation’s most heralded players, but Dome counts himself close to Bastian as well, dating back to Pep Guardiola’s uber successful time at Bayern Munich. Outside of the potential for extra insight into the opponent - it’s always just good to see a familiar face!
Playoffs State of Mind
A common theme from the boss of late is “being read for the playoffs”. As Dome has said on several occasions – the league format makes it so – and he will keep pushing to have us peaking at just the right time. As it stands, NYCFC is three points above the fourth-place Columbus Crew and will need to keep adding to that total to guarantee playoff soccer is back in the Bronx for a third straight season.
Let’s take it further than ever before.
Come on New York!
