NYCFC vs Charlotte FC preview: Hitting the road and seeking a rare win | OneFootball

Okay, yes, this is said often on this website.  However, the truth is the truth, and that is that New York City FC struggles on the road.  Sadly, they now have to play four matches away from home, starting with Charlotte FC.  The Boys in Blue have only beaten the Crown once, and that was the last game they played against them.

So, the Pigeons will not only seek a rare road win, but they will also seek a rare win against Charlotte.  The teams have only played one another six times in the past, and NYCFC has a 1-4-1 record against them.  So, it would be ideal for the visitors to not lose the clinical finish that they did against CF Montréal.  Instead, the brilliance they had in the attack against Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC recently, in which they scored four and three goals respectively, must show up in full force.

More importantly, how NYCFC begins the road trip could set the tone for the remainder of the stretch.  If the Bronx side wins in Charlotte, then that could boost their confidence as they head out to face other teams.  A terrible loss could lead to a rough rest of July.

Can NYCFC secure their second road win of the season?  Or will history repeat itself?  Here is a preview of the team’s upcoming match against Charlotte FC.

NYCFC vs Charlotte FC preview

Date

NYCFC and Charlotte FC will face off on Saturday, July 12.

Time

The game will begin at 7:30 PM ET.

Location

The match will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

How to watch

Fans can watch the fixture on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Weather

It will be a hot one when the game kicks off.  The temperature will be about 86 degrees, but it will feel like 92.  Currently, there is a chance of storms before the start.  Since the weather changes, those storms could occur or even take place during the match.  It could create wet conditions within the stadium as well.

Injury report

Máximo Carrizo (leg), Malachi Jones (leg), and Keaton Parks (leg) will miss the game against Charlotte.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Maxi Moralez on Saturday.  The midfielder has played his best this season when he is higher up the pitch, so it will be interesting to see what Pascal Jansen does with the lineup and where the Argentine is placed.  He will also be needed to produce chances for the Boys in Blue.  As such, the team will likely rely on his service and passes throughout the match.

Then, Pep Biel is the player to watch on Charlotte.  The attacker has been a bright light for the home side this season.  He has seven goals and nine assists and will probably be a major problem for the Boys in Blue.

While a win would be great, it might make sense to be realistically positive.  Therefore, the prediction is that NYCFC will draw 1-1 with Charlotte.  They will struggle with solid chances on target, but will at least find the back of the net once.