Last weekend the New York City Football Club pulled off a come from behind 1-1 tie last week against the New England Revolution in Foxboro; a late match header by Talles Magno set up by a corner kick providing the equalizer and giving the club a much needed point on the road. Now, the Deuces Wild 2-2-2 NYCFC will starts it’s 3 game homestand this weekend taking on 2nd in the East (and third overall) Atlanta United at Yankee Stadium. As always, 4 questions going into this weekend:
Buy NYCFC Merch Here!4 Questions:
1) Will NYCFC continue it’s success at home? The team currently has a 7 game unbeaten streak dating back to September 2022, going 6-0-1 (which includes a win over Atlas in the Campeones Cup last year. Additionally the Cityzen’s success at home against Atlanta has been recognized as well, going 4-1-2 in 7 total matches (vs 1-3-2 on the road against them). Winning against this club is critical, not just because the two clubs are expected to battle for position well into the fall, but to set the tone for this three game homestand.
2) Can NYCFC stop that offense? The big question going into this match is as the United have the 3rd most goals in MLS this season, with 13 in 6 matches. Leading the charge has been Midfielder Thiago Almada with 4 goals in 5 matches and Defender Caleb Wiley with 3 goals in 6. Keeping the two of them off the score sheet is the key to NYCFC taking the win.
3) Can Talles Magno continue his success? The young Brazilian is adjusting to being an increased scoring threat, scoring 2 goals in the last 3 matches, including a lead game header to generate a tie on the road in New England. Can that continue? The club is going to need him to continue to develop as an attacker if they want to get deep into the post season. This is also going to be important because….
4) How will the team adapt with the loan of Thiago Andrade to Brazil’s Athletico Paranaense? The loss of Andrade will be felt, having 58 games since his arrival in 2021. One could expect Matias Pelligrini or Gabriel Pereira to fill in, but this continues the overhaul of the squad since it’s championship run in 2021. As an aside, I got the chance to say goodbye to him when he came to get his stuff at the practice facility today, glad I got that chance.
About the author – Scott Churchson has been an actor in every way for the past 13 years, from BG to stand in to stunts and principal, a sports writer for the past 4 and is one of the people that created Stream Punk Entertainment. He’s married to a veterinarian, has a cat with three working legs, a mother-in-law who just moved in and is just a simple man trying to make his way in the universe.
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