New York City FC returns home this weekend to play DC United, a game which should be easier for the club after wins over Nashville and Cincinnati. However, DC’s recent run of form, despite being eliminated from the playoffs, has seen them take points from Inter Miami and CF Montreal. In such an important part of the season, City are looking to continue their form against a tricky opponent.
“They will (try to) use these positive moments against going forward,” said head coach Pascal Jansen on the opposition. “At the moment they’re not in a good position because they’re not able to get into the playoffs anymore. But (they’ll want to) look ahead and make sure they have a competitive side going into the final stages.”
NYC have drastically improved their standings in the Eastern Conference but could still find pitfalls in the schedule. Wins over Nashville and Cincinnati have boosted their confidence, but MLS has ways of equalizing momentum. Teams at the bottom of the table aren’t always as vulnerable as they are in European leagues. DC United is a great example as their talent may not have produced throughout the regular season but can still be a disruptor for clubs looking to stake their claim to better playoff positions.
This game will see the club return home to Yankee Stadium, a comfort for NYC as they have a 9-3-0 record in front of their fans. DC United has nine losses away from home but have still been pesky and that concern has caught the eye of Jansen and his coaching staff.
“The approach is not different,” said Jansen when asked about the team’s game plan. “The final phase is all about making sure you get the points where you need to, in order to get ready for the playoffs and be in them.”
Reinforcements are on the way for City as recent signing Raul Gustavo has been in training. Whether he appears over the weekend remains to be seen. However, the club has recovered from recent injuries and will look to the future as players like Matt Freese and others continue to push their name and the club’s prestige in the international game during the upcoming break.
City will host DC United on Saturday night at Yankee Stadium. A win could see them leap into fourth place in the Eastern Conference depending on other results. Much is currently in their hands and it’ll be important for the club to deliver where their control is paramount.
photo from NYCFC