NYCFC vs D.C. United preview: The need for goals and a solid defensive performance | OneFootball

New York City FC will try to redeem themselves on the road after their pitiful loss to CF Montréal, which saw the attack flounder and the players embarrass themselves at home. The team from the Bronx will now travel to Washington, D.C. to face D.C. United in a midweek battle.

Looking back at the weekend, NYCFC arguably had a solid defensive performance. It was not perfect, but the backline and Matt Freese limited the damage to only one goal. The Canadian team easily could have scored more and outplayed the Pigeons, even though they were in last place. Hence, the defense from this match must show up in D.C. and play even better. The home side has Christian Benteke, who is one of the top forwards in Major League Soccer, and easily could make life miserable for the visitors.

At the same time, the attack needs to come out in full force. They have been awful in finding the clinical finish the team needs. Truthfully, it is kind of a miracle that NYCFC has won three games in their last five MLS ones. The strong defense allowed the three 1-0 wins to be good enough. But luck was a major factor in two of the three wins, and the killer instinct to put the ball on target was still lackluster.

That is why this fixture will be critical for NYCFC. Earning points on the road is a hurdle to climb, but not out of the realm of possibility. Let’s look at a preview of the Pigeons’ match against D.C. United.

NYCFC vs D.C. United preview

Date

NYCFC and D.C. United will face off in a midweek game on Wednesday, May 14.

Time

The match will begin at 7:30 PM ET.

Location

The game will take place at Audi Field in Washinton, D.C.

How to watch

As always, supporters can watch the fixture on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Weather

It will not be the best evening for a game. At the start, it will be around 72 degrees with a chance of storms. The humidity will be high at 78%, making it an uncomfortable night.

Injury report

Malachi Jones (leg), Kevin O’Toole (leg), and Keaton Parks (foot) are out.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should pay attention to who Pascal Jansen starts at right-back. Tayvon Gray is more of a defensive-minded player. Then, Mitja Ilenič is the stronger attacker, adding more to the final third. Both are fantastic in their own right, and both can help the Boys in Blue offensively and defensively. The question is which one does Jansen want to go with against D.C.? Truthfully, the head coach cannot go wrong, for NYCFC will need all the help they can get with both aspects of play.

Fans should also watch their former goalkeeper, Luis Barraza. He has started the last five games for D.C. United. If he starts again, then it will be an intriguing matchup against Freese, who plainly kicked Barraza out of the starter role and rightfully so. Can the former keeper outshine the current? This is something to watch.

Listen, this is a road game. The Pigeons cannot find the clinical finish. It does not appear like their goal-scoring problems will go away overnight. That is why it is predicted they will lose 2-0. Barraza, if he starts, will not outshine Freese. Rather, NYCFC will produce another dreadful offensive performance.