New York City FC are traveling to TQL Stadium on Saturday night for a game that is essential to their hopes of making the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Currently, FC Cincinnati sit on top of the Eastern Conference and hope to springboard off of City to gain ground on an air-tight Supporters Shield race with San Diego FC. City are hoping to ruin that party and solidify their own standing which is precarious alongside Chicago FC and New York Red Bulls.
“I remember we played a good game against each other,” reminisced head coach Pascal Jansen about his team’s early season victory of Cincinnati. “It’s obvious that they are a good team. However, they’ve been somewhat struggling in the past few games. They got back together the last game against Portland, if I’m not mistaken. We have to make sure we will keep them in that spot and try to get that level of play that we did in game one.”
City are coming off a dramatic win over Nashville SC, a game that started a 10-game run that Jansen described as a final each time out. NYC’s top players responded in form with Alonso Martinez finding the game-winner. Growing players like Andres Perea also showed their form and just how much Jansen’s efforts are starting to pay off on the stats sheet.
NYC is still dealing with major injuries to the likes of Keaton Parks who helped solidify the midfield. Thiago Martins potential return will be a boost but integrating new signings like Raul Gustavo could be the difference between playoffs or an early trip home at the end of October.
“We will use the windows to strengthen our squad,” said Jansen when asked about his club’s summer transfer moves. “With Raul Gustavo coming in, I think we made a good choice bringing him in. We can’t wait to see him”
City knows that the schedule will easy up next week as they return home to DC United, making the game against Cincinnati all the more important to get maximum points. To their credit, Cincinnati have also strengthened their squad by re-signing Brazilian forward Brenner to boost their offense.
photo from NYCFC