NYCFC vs D.C. United preview: End the summer on a high note | OneFootball

Technically, there are a few weeks left of summer.  However, with Labor Day on Monday, many consider this weekend to be the last one of the season.  As such, New York City FC will want to end the summer on a high note when they welcome D.C. United to the Big Apple.

The two teams last met in May and shared the points in that matchup.  This time, especially with some of the recent success, the Pigeons will aim to secure all three points and put on a show at home in front of the fans.  But this will not be easy.  NYCFC has surprisingly struggled against some of the teams toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference table, and D.C. is currently in last place.

Hopefully, the Boys in Blue will hit the ground running and destroy the opposition by scoring multiple goals and maintaining a high percentage of possession.  It is time to turn the page on the rest of the season and what was a bit of a crazy summer of highs and lows in the right way.

So, let’s take a look at the preview of NYCFC’s next game against D.C. United.

NYCFC vs D.C. United preview

Date

NYCFC and D.C. United will play on Saturday, August 30.

Time

The game will begin at 7:30 PM ET.

Location

The match will be at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.

How to watch

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

Weather

Saturday will be a gorgeous day, and that continues in the evening.  When the game begins, it will be 73 degrees and clear skies, with no rain to be seen.  The humidity will be around 34%, allowing fans to enjoy one of the last summer nights of soccer.

Injury report

Nico Cavallo (leg), Malachi Jones (leg), and Keaton Parks (leg) remain unavailable for the Pigeons.

Players to watch

NYCFC supporters should pay attention to Thiago Martins.  While multiple goals would be incredible, the Bronx side needs to have a similar defensive performance to what they had in last week’s battle with FC Cincinnati.  Martins' return made a difference, but can he continue to lead the backline where they will help protect Matt Freese in every way possible?

Then, fans should also pay attention to former NYCFC goalkeeper, Luis Barraza.  He had a good game during the draw earlier in the year and knows the Boys in Blue well.  He might be the secret that can keep the team out of the goal.  At the same time, his play is well known to the home team.  Knowing how Barraza plays could be helpful for putting the ball past him.

The last time the Pigeons played a last-place side, it was predicted they would win, and they lost.  However, it is important to stay positive.  Therefore, it is predicted that NYCFC will win 3-0 and outshoot D.C. by at least five shots or more.  Freese will have to make a few big saves, but the defense will spend the majority of the match on the attack with the rest of the team.