Game Preview: NYCFC v Montreal Impact

Saturday, April 6th

Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

On Saturday, April 6th NYCFC will look to turn the 2019 campaign around at home against the Montreal Impact, who are without Ignacio Piatti. When their star isn’t in the lineup, the Impact only win 16% of the matches they play. City will also be without their playmaker Maxi Moralez for a second straight match, hopefully leading to a new look XI after a disappointing month of March. Only losing one of their nine total matches against the Impact, City will be confident in front of their home supporters on Saturday afternoon.

Projected Lineup

Attack:

New signing Heber will almost certainly debut against Montreal; I believe it would be foolish for him not to start. Although Domè alluded to Heber coming off the bench, another week of Taty or Jesus Medina through the middle would almost certainly escalate fans’ negative opinions of the manager. Alexandru Mitriță has locked down the starting position on the left, and Heber’s addition and strong holdup play will likely create more chances for the Romanian on Saturday. As always, the attacker on the right is in question, with Jonathan Lewis, Jesus Medina, and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi all available as capable options. I expect ITS to start, put together a solid performance, and begin to take hold of a weekly starting spot in the new NYCFC attack.

Midfield:

City looked completely lost last week without Maxi in the lineup. To head the midfield and link up play between the defense and the attack, I hope to see Keaton Parks get his first start. Most outspoken NYCFC supporters have been calling on Domè to give Parks a run out for weeks, and if not now, when?

Alex Ring and James Sands will both almost certainly start; The question is, where? Alexander Callens will be out with a hamstring injury, and we may see Sands get his first start in the defense alongside Maxime Chanot, but Domè will likely leave the remainder of his midfield unchanged. I expect Ring to remain in his 2019 box-to-box role with Sands spending most of his time just in front of the back four.

Defense:

Ronald Matarrita deserves another start at left back after some questionable performances from Ben Sweat in recent weeks. Mata is at his best at Yankee Stadium, and his service from the left may have newfound meaning with Heber’s aerial ability. Anton Tinnerholm has not been himself yet this season, but Anton has the potential for game changing performances week in and week out. Ibeagha is on this roster for the absences of Maxime Chanot or Alex Callens, and shouldn’t be a liability for the City defense.

Match Prediction: NYCFC 3- 1 Impact

With Domè’s job security on the line, City should be able to dominate the Impact in the Bronx. If Heber can find his name on the goal sheet, supporters will be forced into at least some optimism for the first time this season.

Player Stats

New York City FC:

Goals: Alex Ring (2), Ebenezer Ofori (1), Alexandru Mitriță (1)

Assists: Five Players (1)

Montreal Impact:

Goals: Saphir Taider (3), Ignacio Piatti (3), Orji Okwonkwo (1)

Assists: Maximiliano Urruti (2), Five Players (1)

MLS Statistics

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Game Preview: NYCFC v LAFC

Sunday, March 17th

Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

On Sunday, March 17th, NYCFC host LAFC after two disappointing draws to start the season. City’s depth has been evident thus far, with a multitude of capable wingers fighting for starting spots and James Sands seamlessly entering the XI. Sadly, even more evident has been the lack of a true centre forward on the roster. Although the Rumor Mill is hot, City will have to learn to play without a true striker for the time being. Changes must be made in order to keep pace with the high powered attack of LAFC, featuring Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, Christian Ramirez, and Adama Diomande.

Projected Lineup

Jesus Medina and Taty both played quite poorly last weekend. Facing the attacking firepower that LAFC brings to every match, I expect City to change their shape on Sunday, and return to the 4-3-3 of old.

Earlier in the week, I was certain that Ismael Tajouri-Shradi would finally get his first start of the season on Sunday. After criticism from his manager and a Questionable tag ahead of the match, this is now unlikely. With that in mind, I expect City to play Maxi through the middle as a false 9, providing service to Alexandru Mitriță on the left and Jonathan Lewis on the right. City will need to create chances on Sunday, and Lewis seems to always find himself in front of the net. Although his end product last weekend was not good enough, I expect Domè to give Jonathan Lewis another run-out.

Domè was happy with the team’s performance for most of last week’s match, but preached the importance of possessing the ball. I believe to win possession on Sunday, another midfielder will be necessary. I expect Keaton Parks to start in a more advanced midfield role alongside Alex Ring, with James Sands spending most of his time between Callens and Chanot. Parks’ ability to pass in the final third might be exactly what City needs to refine their end product, and his size will give NYCFC an aerial option on set pieces that they didn’t have against DC.

I expect the backline to be unchanged after a solid performance at home last week.

Last Meeting

In their only meeting to date, NYCFC and LAFC played to a 2-2 draw at Banc of California Stadium. The game started very well for City, with a VAR Handball leading to a penalty kick, headed in by David Villa off a rebound. LAFC would tie the match at 1-1 soon after, with Sebastien Ibeagha unluckily redirecting a corner into his own net. The game would stay tied at ones until the 66’. Carlos Vela was the first to a loose ball, and scored on his right foot to the glee of the home supporters. City responded quickly though, with an awkward cross from Anton Tinnerholm leading to an amazing finish from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi on the near post. Jesus Medina and Jo Inge Berget both missed clear cut chances which could have won the match for NYCFC, but the back and forth contest finished with both sides taking a point.

Match Recap

Highlights

LAFC Player Spotlight: Carlos Vela

Carlos Vela has been the best player on the pitch in his first two games of the season. WhoScored’s Man of the Match in LAFC’s 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, and tallying a goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory against the Timbers, Vela has been a revelation since he arrived in MLS. To scare City fans even more, of Vela’s fourteen goals last season, ten came away from home. Just as he has in 2019, Vela started 2018 hot as well, leading LAFC to the best first ten games for an expansion side in MLS history. The current MLS Player of the Week will be a serious problem for City on Sunday.

Player Stats

New York City FC:

Goals: Alex Ring and Ebenezer Ofori (1)

Assists: Jonathan Lewis and Alexandru Mitriță (1)

Los Angeles Football Club:

Goals: Adama Diomande (2)

Assists: Carlos Vela (2)

MLS Statistics

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Game Preview: NYCFC v DC United

Sunday, March 10th

Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

On Sunday, March 10th, NYCFC host D.C. United for City’s Home Opener. After a disappointing draw last Saturday, our boys in blue return to the fortress that is Yankee Stadium, where City lost only one match in seventeen played last season.

Lineup Prediction

Domè is a tinkerer. Especially at Yankee Stadium, City’s skipper will look to change the team’s shape and tactics throughout the match. With that in mind, I expect NYCFC to line up in an ultra-fluid and ultra-attacking 4-1-4-1, merging into a 5-2-3 in defense.

City is at full strength with Ronald Matarrita back from another brief injury, but I expect the backline to be unchanged from Saturday. With that being said, I do believe that Alex Ring will start where James Sands did against Orlando, just in front of the two centerbacks. At Yankee Stadium, however, Callens, Ring, and Chanot will likely form a back three at times, allowing Ben Sweat and Anton Tinnerholm to make overlapping runs in the attack.

Regardless of your opinion on the dimensions of Yankee Stadium, NYCFC are a much better team at home with a box to box midfielder, whose passing in the final third is essential to linking up the defense with the attack. I believe that Keaton Parks is the man for the job, grabbing his first NYCFC start in front of the home supporters.

City’s roster consists of a multitude of attacking options, it’s up to Domè to choose which to start. To make his decision a bit easier, I believe NYCFC will start with four true attacking threats on Sunday: Maxi Moralez, Alexandru Mitriță, Jesus Medina, and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi. I expect Medina and ITS to play tight to the touchlines, forcing the DC defense to make crucial decisions once their high-press breaks down. Mitriță can play through the middle, but the fluid attack will find our new DP on the left for a good portion of the match as well. This season, I envision NYCFC at their best at home, when Mitriță and Maxi are given freedom in their positioning, with the rest of the attack high-pressing their opponents, preventing stars like Wayne Rooney and Lucho Acosta from possession of the ball.

Jonathan Lewis’ role this season is a controversial topic. Regardless, I expect Jonathan Lewis as a late game sub at Yankee Stadium this season, a role he thrived in last season in the Bronx.

Another possibility for City on Sunday is giving Eben Ofori another start after his great goal last weekend in place of Jesus Medina. At times last season, Ofori would begin at the left midfield role at home, dropping deeper into the midfield in defense, perhaps even man-marking one of DC’s many dangermen.

Last Meeting

On October 21st in NYCFC’s second to last match of the season, City fell 3-1 away to a red-hot DC United. DC started the match in style, with Lucho Acosta’s tight dribbling leading to an easy finish for Rooney. Chances were few and far between in the first half for the Blues, and Acosta would soon make it 2-0 on a shot from just outside the box. A penalty slotted away by Rooney killed the match off in the second half, as David Villa’s consolation goal meant nothing for a City team with one win in their last nine.

Match Recap

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Statement from Third Rail board

The Third Rail is a volunteer-run organization, dedicated to bringing together New York City FC supporters from all walks of life to support the team and the city that we love. Our diverse organization stands for values that New Yorkers hold dear: inclusiveness, community, and giving back.

The Third Rail is aware that a very small number of individuals aligned with Southern Poverty Law Center-recognized hate groups have associated themselves with NYCFC supporters. These individuals are not Third Rail members nor do they participate in our events. Their conduct is expressly forbidden by our member code of conduct and their beliefs stand in opposition to our mission statement. Our organization has worked since 2015 to remove this element from NYCFC matches, where hatred and violence have no place. We categorically reject and condemn the ideologies held by these individuals and by extremist hate groups.

The Third Rail will continue working with NYCFC to improve our local communities, grow support for soccer, and ensure that matches remain a safe place for all supporters of NYCFC, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, or ability.

Game Preview: NYCFC @ Orlando City

Saturday, March 2nd

Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

On Saturday, March 2nd, NYCFC open their 2019 campaign for MLS Cup in Orlando. Two very different teams from last season, City will look to start the season strong against their expansion “rivals”

Lineup Prediction

Defense:

The backline will likely look identical to last season at full health, with Sean Johnson surely between the posts. Ronald Matarrita may crack the eleven in place of Ben Sweat, but I expect Sweat to build off his surprising 2018 with an even stronger 2019. City are likely to return to their trusted centre back pairing of Maxime Chanot and Alex Callens, but Sebastien Ibeagha always has a chance to start ahead of either. Anton Tinnerholm, who arguably looked his best under Domè, has the right back position locked down again this season.

Midfield:

Leading the team with 24 goal contributions in his second full season in the big apple, Maxi Moralez will be leaned on in 2019. A key to NYCFC’s distribution and identity in building from the back, arguably no player is as important to the club for this season. I predict new captain Alex Ring to begin the season in the lone defensive mid role, but I would not be surprised to see a double pivot employed by Domè, giving Ring license to get forward and do more things like this.  

City’s midfield must deal with a tremendous loss in Yangel Herrera, and addressed the problem by adding Keaton Parks on loan from Benfica. Likely spending most of his time between Moralez and Ring, Parks’ passing will be essential to City’s desire for possession of the ball. More of a box-to-box midfielder, he doesn’t seem to have the same defensive talent that hard-nosed Herrera prided himself in, but his passing and movement in the final third should be a joy to watch this season.

Attack:

The loss of David Villa has led to great uncertainty this offseason, and while City have still yet to sign a true Centre Forward, Alexandru Mitriță will certainly help in the goal scoring department. I predict Mitriță will play through the left to open the season, with Ismael Tajouri-Shradi opposite him on the right. ITS wrote his name on the goal sheet eleven times last season, and deserves the run out on Opening Day. Lastly, I predict that Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos will start through the middle, although the attack will almost certainly remain dynamic throughout the match, with the front three interchanging positions constantly. Do not be surprised, however, to see Jesus Medina or Jonathan Lewis get the start up front.

*The Outfield’s Formation Breakdown is a fantastic read for more in depth discussion on City’s potential shape not only on Saturday, but for the rest of the long season as well.

Also check out the NYCFC Season Preview on American Soccer Analysis to get up to speed before Saturday’s season opener.

NYCFC Player Spotlight: Alexandru Mitriță

Major League Soccer’s third most expensive signing in its history, City’s new Designated Player, Romanian International, a young Giovinco, whatever you want to call him, Alexandru Mitriță has huge shoes to fill. The Romanian is a lethal forward with 12 Goals and 4 Assists in 16 matches this season, who is expected to take set pieces with the departure of David Villa. With NYCFC’s attack likely to be incredibly fluid all season with a multitude of options at each position, Mitriță is expected to play through the middle, with some time also being spent on the left. Unlike Maxi Moralez, he tends to stay in the final third of the pitch. Mitriță should find his name on the score sheet early and often.

Highlights

Orlando City Player Spotlight: Nani

The former Manchester United standout Nani was expected to finish his career at Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, back where he started. Many were shocked, however, when he made his move to Orlando City while in the midst of a great season in Liga NOS, with seven goals and four assists in eighteen league matches. All eyes will be on Nani in his first match, where he will likely line up on the left and face Anton Tinnerholm head on.

Match Prediction:

NYCFC 2 / Orlando City 1

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Who Starts? Knockout Round

By Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

Ahead of Wednesday’s Knockout Round, most fans would argue that the same starting eleven that defeated the Union just three days ago should start again. I find it naive to think Jim Curtin’s side will not adjust, if not positionally then certainly tactically. Domè, City’s supposed tactical advantage, should be one-step ahead. With NYCFC finally at full strength, the options are plenty. At Yankee Stadium, in front of City supporters, there are no more excuses.

Attack:

I expect the front three to feature two changes from Sunday’s win. Jesus Medina received mixed reviews from not only supporters this weekend but his manager as well, and I expect him to start on the bench. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi has been a revelation this season, and it would be a crime not to feature the eleven goal scorer in the Knockout Round. David Villa has scored in four of his last six matches, including two in a row. A confident captain should produce results. On the left, I expect Ronald Matarrita to drop back into defense, and Valentin Castellanos to get the starting nod. In per-match statistics, ‘Taty’ averages four shots a match, placing him in elite company; just ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and just behind Miguel Almirón. Looking at expected goals yields the same result, with Castellanos sandwiched between Gyasi Zardes and Alberth Elis, tied with Zlatan in the important statistic. Castellanos deserves the start, and I believe Domè will give it to him.

Subs: Jo Inge Berget, Jesus Medina

Midfield:

NYCFC is at their best when Maxi Moralez, Alexander Ring, and Yangel Herrera are together in the middle. Advanced statistics help tell the story of why the midfield trio have been so successful. In the defensive third of the pitch, Alexander Ring ranks second in MLS in passes completed per match. In the middle third of the pitch, Yangel Herrera ranks fourth in MLS in passes completed per match. In the attacking third of the pitch, Maxi Moralez has completed the fourth most passes in the league. Showcasing all three players together lends itself to City’s possession based style, and limits the opposition’s chances. City will be almost guaranteed to see the majority of the ball on Sunday, and as long as their fluid and dynamic first-choice midfield stays intact. The midfield was the team’s strength on Sunday, and I expect nothing less than an amazing performance from three of City’s most influential players on Wednesday.

Subs: Ebenezer Ofori

Defense:

Ben Sweat has been an amazing value for NYCFC, and a somewhat under-appreciated constant on a back line plagued by injury this season; Alexander Callens, Maxime Chanot, and Ronald Matarrita all missed time. That being said, Sweat tends to make a few mistakes each start, which leaves City exposed. Domè’s affinity for Matarrita should shine through on Sunday, and I believe that the Costa Rican international will provide a vintage performance from left back. Partly due to his appearances as a winger, and partly due to his aggressive attacking style, Matarrita is one of the most productive wingbacks in the league. At home, Mata should be ready to roll.

Subs: Ben Sweat, Sebastien Ibeagha

We expect a victory and nothing less on Wednesday, then our sights can be set on a reeling Atlanta United. This may just be City’s season after all...Come on New York!

Player Stats

New York City FC:

Goals: David Villa (14), Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (11), Maxi Moralez (8)

Assists: Maxi Moralez (16), Jesus Medina (7), Anton Tinnerholm (6)

Home Goals: David Villa (9)

Philadelphia Union:

Goals: Cory Burke (10), Fafa Picault (10), Ilsinho (9)

Assists: Borek Dockal (18), Haris Medunjanin (7), Alejandro Bedoya (6)

Away Goals: Fafa Picault (7)

MLS Statistics

Advanced Individual Statistics

Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC. Interested in learning more about the Third Rail? Visit our website at thirdrail.nyc for merchandise, weekly game previews and more. Interested in joining? Click here.

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What to Watch for: NYCFC and the Playoffs

By Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

It has not been easy watching recent NYCFC performances. The team has simply not been been good enough, with the last truly good match coming in the second week of July. The thrill of three home victories by a combined scoreline of 6-0, including a Derby win and amazing displays from the club’s youth, has not been matched in over three months. Luckily, the playoffs are nearly upon us. When the final whistle is blown on Sunday, regardless of result, the season will undergo a reset, and the last twelve weeks of mediocrity will mean little in comparison to the Knockout Round. With the final game of the season readily approaching, here are the four things to focus on.

Result

Obviously, a positive result on Sunday is City’s first priority. Barring a disaster, City will have the luxury of home field advantage for the Knockout Round. Who they will host, on the other hand, is completely up in the air. Even a draw would be in City’s favor, almost guaranteeing avoiding red-hot DC United in the play-in game.

Seeding changes aside, NYCFC need a result for confidence and momentum. Winning only two of their last twelve matches, the boys in blue simply cannot let their disappointing play continue into November. While the three points are certainly important, NYCFC must address the underlying issues that have plagued this team for months.

Formation

We have seen little consistency in formation and player selection throughout Domè’s tenure as manager. The formation showcased by NYCFC on Sunday will likely be the same as the Knockout Round, giving fans a taste of what is to come. While some players may receive rest for lingering injuries on Sunday, the formation and tactics will speak volumes to the potential playoff XI. Below are the two likely options:

4-3-3

NYCFC’s tried and true formation since early into Patrick Vieira’s tenure with the club, the 4-3-3 would force Domè to pick two of City’s deep selection of wingers to start alongside David Villa. Youth, pace, and a secondary goal scorer would relieve pressure for Villa and allow the Blues to use the width of the entire pitch, and keep the opposition compressed into their own end. With Yangel Herrera expected to return to full fitness come playoff time, Ebenezer Ofori would likely be relegated to substitute duties. Ben Sweat would almost certainly get the nod at left back, providing coverage at the back to stop the counter.

Diamond

With a full squad to select from, Domè may opt to line up in the 4-3-1-2 Diamond formation seen sparingly throughout the year. While the formation would not showcase any wingers, limiting Jesus Medina, Taty Castellanos, and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi from starting, the diamond will pack the midfield and limit the counter-attack. Jo Inge Berget and David Villa would work in a front two with Maxi not far behind, creating an interesting front three. Ronald Matarrita would likely start at left back opposite Anton Tinnerholm, and the pair would have the independence to join the attack from the wings. Lastly, the fluidity of the midfield would give both Yangel Herrera and Alex Ring the opportunity to join the attack without a concern for the counter-attack.

Identity

NYCFC’s identity as a club from day one has been rooted in possession-based football with dynamic attackers. Before the tail end of this season, City’s style of play was the one constant on the pitch. For any chance on Sunday and in the playoffs, Domè must return to the style that has been a part of NYCFC from the beginning.

In City’s first three seasons of existence, the missing piece of the puzzle was a secondary scorer opposite David Villa. Now, with Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, Maxi Moralez, and Jesus Medina combining to score 25 goals to Villa’s 13, there should be no excuse. The current roster has a perfect mix of experience and youth, and has lost only once at home all season. This is the same NYCFC that outplayed Atlanta United and beat the Red Bulls at Yankee Stadium. With some fine tuning, City can beat anyone in this league.

The Future

The pessimistic, worst case scenario must also be addressed. There is a real possibility that NYCFC cannot turn back to the form of months ago, lose on Sunday, and subsequently are knocked out early into the playoffs once again. If this is the case, real questions need to be asked during the offseason. First, City’s youth was mismanaged this season by both managers. Jonathan Lewis did not play nearly as much as he should have, and some player selections on game days were questionable at best, and preposterous at worst. We saw players like Eloi Amagat, Rodney Wallace, and Tommy McNamara given opportunities time and time again over promising young talent. Domè has said that he “needs two wingers”, yet has had Jesus Medina, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, Taty Castellanos, and Jonathan Lewis available for most of the season.

Shifting focus to our manager, some fans will certainly be clamoring for a change. That being said, Domè needs and deserves more time than he has been given to implement his style and add talent to the squad. Nonetheless, NYCFC has been mismanaged at times this season, and the results have not been good enough. Under Patrick Vieira, no player’s spot in the starting eleven was guaranteed, and it showed on the field. Domè must motivate his players for every match, regardless of occasion, home and away, which he simply has not done in recent months.

…

With all this in mind, NYCFC have as good a chance as any to make their run this season and lift MLS Cup. The business-portion of the season has almost arrived. Will it be more of the same from New York’s team? Or will fans finally get the playoff victories they deserve? We’ll find out soon enough.

Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC. Interested in learning more about the Third Rail? Visit our website at thirdrail.nyc for merchandise, weekly game previews and more. Interested in joining? Click here.

Game Preview: NYCFC v. Montreal Impact

By Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

On Saturday September 22nd, NYCFC will travel North to face the Montreal Impact. Winless in their last five, and with only one win in their last eight matches, City need to turn the tides before things really get out of hand. With a combined 83 shots in their last three matches and only two goals, the boys in blue will have to be more clinical. Embarking on three games in seven days, results, and not just “good performances”, will be paramount and an indicator of City’s post-October prospects.

Lineup Prediction

With a full selection of players at his disposal, Domè will have many decisions to make. While the shape of the XI will be fluid for much of the match, I believe NYCFC will line up in their usual 4-3-3 to start. Jo Inge Berget should regain his starting spot, and will spend some time wide left, but most of the match at centre-forward next to David Villa. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi should start on the wing if the 4-3-3 is decided upon. The midfield will finally get back to normal, with Alex Ring, Ebenezer Ofori, and Maxi Moralez playing their normal roles. The back four will likely be comprised of Ben Sweat, Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callens, and Anton Tinnerholm, but do not be surprised for Sebastien Ibeagha to hold his place. If Domè decides on the 4-4-2 diamond, expect Tajouri-Shradi to see the bench for a more defensive-minded option.

Recent Form

NYCFC: LDLLD

To put it plainly, City have not been good enough in recent matches. The months of August and September have been brutal with a record of 1-3-3, totaling only six points.

Montreal Impact: DDWLW

The Impact are on the complete other side of the spectrum. Montreal has lost only one of their last six, including a 3-0 victory over the Red Bulls and a 4-1 win away in Philadelphia last Saturday. A team focused on putting away chances on the counter-attack, Montreal will be an incredibly tough opponent.

Standings

Impact Player Spotlight: Ignacio Piatti

Who else could it be? Ignacio Piatti has had another spectacular season in MLS, with 13 goals and 12 assists thus far. Of his 13 goals, 11 have come at home. He ranks ninth in the league in expected goals plus assists, leads Montreal in shots on target, key passes, and fouls suffered, and leads MLS with five game winning assists. Quite possibly the most fun player to watch in MLS, Piatti is as important to Montreal as any player to any team.

Jonathan Lewis Loan Update

Fan favorite and one of the best young talents at the club, Jonathan Lewis has been loaned to Louisville City FC for the remainder of the USL season, concluding on October 13th. Lewis will be back in New York for the final two matches of the MLS regular season and the playoffs. Earlier this season, James Sands was also sent on loan to Louisville, and was incredibly effective in all three appearances. This move initially sent City supporters in an uproar, but in actuality, Lewis will miss only three matches due to an almost month-long break in matches from September 29th to October 21st.

UPDATE: On Wednesday night, Lewis made his debut and contributed an assist in 62 minutes on the pitch in an all-around great performance.

Player Stats

New York City FC:

Goals: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (11), David Villa (11), Maxi Moralez (8)

Assists: Maxi Moralez (13), Jesus Medina (7), David Villa and Anton Tinnerholm (5)

Away Goals: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (7)

Montreal Impact:

Goals: Ignacio Piatti (13), Saphir Taider (6), Alejandro Silva (4)

Assists: Ignacio Piatti (12), Alejandro Silva (10), Saphir Taider (6)

Home Goals: Ignacio Piatti (11)

MLS Statistics

Advanced Individual Statistics

Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC. Interested in learning more about the Third Rail? Visit our website at thirdrail.nyc for merchandise, weekly game previews and more. Interested in joining? Click here.

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Game Preview: NYCFC v. DC United

By Nick Fiorino (stretch_fio)

On Saturday, September 8th NYCFC will look to bounce back in front of the home supporters when Wayne Rooney and DC United come to town. Four games without a win and arguably seven games without a good performance, City need three points. The form could not be more different between the two clubs, but anything can happen in the Bronx. With an expected crowd of 30,000+, City will certainly have the 12th man on their side.

Lineup Prediction

A lineup will be hard to predict when a squad is short seven players. Ebenezer Ofori, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, Maxine Chanot, Rodney Wallace, Jo Inge Berget, Jesus Medina, and Alex Ring will all miss Saturday’s important match. As James Sands proved Wednesday night, however, now is the time for players to prove their worth for the final stretch of the season and into the playoffs. I believe that last week’s diamond formation will make another appearance on Saturday, giving us a front three of David Villa and Valentin “Taty” Castellanos with Maxi Moralez behind. Without Alex Ring, James Sands should again sit in front of the back four, with Ronald Matarrita and Eloi Amagat on each side. A back four of Ben Sweat, Alexander Callens, Sebastien Ibeagha, and Anton Tinnerholm is expected.

Recent Form

NYCFC: WLDLL

Losing their first match in the Bronx in just under a full year on Wednesday, NYCFC are in horrific form. Losing two in a row for the first time since April of 2016, Domè needs to find answers.

DC United: WWLLW

DC United have won four of their last six games, and are coming off an impressive 3-1 win over Atlanta. Surging up the Eastern Conference table, a win over NYCFC would be essential to DC’s playoff hopes.

Standings

Player Spotlight

NYCFC: James Sands

Making his long-awaited first start for City on Wednesday, James Sands showed us what the hype was all about. With his calmness on the ball and head always on a swivel, it is no wonder why Domè has given him such high praise. Our #6 of the future will have a huge responsibility on Saturday with Alex Ring suspended and Ebenezer Ofori away on international duty. Likely the defensive head of our midfield, Sands’ play will dictate much of the afternoon for City.

DC United: Luciano Acosta

Although Wayne Rooney has been in the headlines, Lucho Acosta has been just as important in DC’s surge in the standings. With Rooney starting as a true Centre-Forward, Acosta now has the space and the service to showcase his talents, cultivated at Boca Juniors as a teen. Scoring twice against Atlanta last week, both assisted by Rooney, Lucho will be a clear danger. Although scoring all seven of his goals at home, his seven assists on the road is tied with Kaku for first in the league. Proving he can score and supply his teammates, Acosta will be the key for DC United on Saturday.  

Player Stats

New York City FC:

Goals: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (11), David Villa (10), Maxi Moralez (8)

Assists: Maxi Moralez (13), Jesus Medina (7), David Villa and Anton Tinnerholm (5)

Home Goals: David Villa (6)

DC United:

Goals: Yamil Asad (9), Darren Mattocks (9), Luciano Acosta (7)

Assists: Luciano Acosta (10), Paul Arriola (8), Zoltan Stieber (7)

Away Goals: Yamil Asad (8)

Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC. Interested in learning more about the Third Rail? Visit our website at thirdrail.nyc for merchandise, weekly game previews and more. Interested in joining? Click here.

Watch NYCFC v DC United on UniMas at 5:00 ET or Listen on WNYE 91.5 FM

Game Preview: NYCFC v. New England Revolution

By Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

On Wednesday, September 5th NYCFC thankfully return home to the Bronx for an Eastern Conference clash against the Revolution after a terrible performance in Columbus. City will be as short-handed as ever before for the next two home matches, with the International Call-ups of Maxime Chanot, Ebenezer Ofori, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, and Rodney Wallace. The injury report is full as well with Jo Inge Berget and Jesus Medina both unavailable, and Alexander Callens still questionable. Regardless of the obstacles, a win over the Revs is necessary to get City back onto form.

Lineup Prediction

Call it wishful thinking, but I believe that Jonathan Lewis and James Sands will both get the start on Wednesday. I absolutely would not be surprised to see Ronald Matarrita in the attack and Eloi Amagat or Kwame Awuah in the midfield, however. A front three of David Villa, Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, and Jonathan Lewis would be a dream for City supporters, and I hope that Domè makes the correct decision. The backline of Ben Sweat, Alexander Callens, Sebastien Ibeagha, and Anton Tinnerholm should start as well. If Callens is forced to miss the match, however, expect Ben Sweat to move centrally and Ronald Matarrita to start at left-back.

Recent Form

NYCFC: DWLDL

Coming off quite possibly the most disappointing performance of the season, NYCFC luckily have a quick turnaround to turn their fortunes. Winning only one of their last six games, City need six points from the next two matches.

New England: DLLLD

Winless since June, the Revolution have lost six of their last nine. Only six points from the sixth position in the East, however, New England still has everything to play for.

Standings

NYCFC failed to make up ground on the top two in the East, both who also lost this past match week. With one game in hand on the Red Bulls, however, the next two home matches will be incredibly important results for City.

Player Spotlight

NYCFC: Jonathan Lewis

Jonathan Lewis deserves to start this week for NYCFC; If not now, when? With Jo Inge Berget and Jesus Medina sidelined for the near future, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi with his national team, and an aging David Villa playing three games in a week, now is the time. Lewis has been impressive in every appearance thus far in 2018, and if he doesn’t get time this week, this year could be the last we see of Lewis in the Bronx.

New England: Diego Fagundez

Diego Fagundez, who opened the scoring in his last meeting against NYCFC, has had another great season in MLS. Tallying seven goals and eight assists, he has been a bright spot in a disappointing season for the Revs. According to American Soccer Analysis, Fagundez is fourth in the league in key passes with 70, eleven behind Maxi Moralez. Sixth in expected assists and starting in 25 of the Revolution’s 26 games, Fagundez has been a constant in a season without many for New England.

Player Stats

NYCFC:

Goals: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (11), David Villa (10), Maxi Moralez (8)

Assists: Maxi Moralez (13), Jesus Medina (7), David Villa and Anton Tinnerholm (5)

Home Goals: David Villa (6)

New England:

Goals: Teal Bunbury (11), Cristian Penilla (9), Diego Fagundez (7)

Assists: Diego Fagundez (8), Cristian Penilla (6), Wilfried Zahibo (4)

Away Goals: Teal Bunbury and Cristian Penilla (5)

Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC. Interested in learning more about the Third Rail? Visit our website at thirdrail.nyc for merchandise, weekly game previews and more. Interested in joining? Click here.

Watch NYCFC v New England on YES Network at 7:00 ET or Listen on WNYE 91.5 FM