New York City FC are looking to keep the positive momentum going as they travel to TQL Stadium to play FC Cincinnati on Saturday evening. Following a 2-1 win over Toronto FC, City are sending a team stricken by international call-ups in the hopes of getting their first away win of the 2024 season.
Head coach Nick Cushing has spoken about his team’s performances not reflecting the results of late. However, the team finally turned it around against a Toronto team last week that was expected to win over a City team that was unable to score goals. That all changed when Santiago Rodriguez and Kevin O’Toole scored. Both are expected to start on Saturday with the striker position being the one that will suffer the most due to call-ups.
NYCFC will be without Maxi Moralez and Talles Magno due to injury but it is the international call-ups that hit them the hardest. Tayvon Gray, Mounsef Bakrar in particular will be missed. The team will also be without Keaton Parks who garnered a red card in the last game.
FC Cincinnati won’t be an easy opponent. The reigning Supporters Shield winners have gotten off to a strong start, garnering eight points in their first four games. Last week the team defeated New England 2-1 with goals from Yuya Kubo and Luciano Acosta. Unlike City, Cincinnati won’t be missing many of their pieces. Only Miles Robinson is away on international duty, meaning that Aaron Boupendza and Acosta will more than likely play.
PROJECTED STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Hope-Gund, Risa, Martins, O’Toole, Sands, Rodriguez, Haak, Wolf, Fernandez, Martinez
