Former New York Red Bulls and current Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas returns to NYC in an attempt to stop the meteoric rise of NYCFC up the Eastern Conference table on Sunday afternoon. City are riding a three-game winning streak and are unbeaten in five overall. All of this on the back of a solid defense that has only allowed three goals total during the run.
City still have problems converting chances but feel much more comfortable given the progress of players like Alonso Martinez. Head coach Nick Cushing has spoken about his conversion from a winger into a striker for the club and we could see more of him in that position this weekend. Whether or not he will start over Mounsef Bakrar remains to be seen. However, Bakrar has still not scored in 2024 despite nearly topping the list of players with the most created chances.
Colorado comes into Citi Field after having a streak of their own broken. Last week’s game against FC Cincinnati was their first loss since March, ending a four-game unbeaten streak. Their high-powered offense is also formidable as they have only been shut out once this year. Armas has the team playing in a similar style to the Red Bulls of years prior. Fast-pace on the wings combines with break-neck pressing to create chaos. The one difference is that Colorado has the talent to score goals. Rafael Navarro leads the team with four goals and designated player Djordie Mihailovic has netted two and assisted on four more.
Much will depend on City’s ability to possess the ball and win it back in transition. During this recent streak they have controlled possession and created more opportunities that their opponents. To continue that they will have to avoid falling prey to a high press that has haunted NYCFC throughout their history.
A win can see them soar as high as third in the table, bringing them level on points with New York Red Bulls depending on the outcome of their game Saturday in Miami. Such a rise after a troubled start to the campaign should galvanize the efforts of the team and put even more emphasis on a process that is starting to produce results.
PROJECTED STARTING XI:
NYCFC: Freese; Ilenic, Risa, Martins, O’Toole, Sands, Parks, Wolf, Fernandez, Martinez, Rodriguez
WHERE TO WATCH:
Apple TV MLS Pass on Sunday at 4PM
photo by Jordan Banks