New York City FC take on Atlanta United on Wednesday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30PM ET.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford.
Number 10
The name Miguel Almirón is familiar to almost all MLS fans.
The Paraguayan international participated in the FIFA World Cup this summer and returned to MLS after a stint in the Premier League with Newcastle United.
A playmaker, Almirón is expected to be a major force for Atlanta in the final third. Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, he leads Atlanta this season in terms of goal contributions, with a combined 14 goals and assists.
When operating from the left wing, Almirón’s speed and direct approach can cause defenders problems, just as they did at the weekend against the Chicago Fire. Almirón registered an assist on Atlanta’s opening goal by driving in from the left before playing a clever through ball for Tomás Jacob to score.
New York City FC will need to close down his space early and prevent him from turning with the ball. They must also stay compact when Atlanta has possession and track Almirón’s runs. If they can limit his influence between the lines, they can make it harder for Atlanta to build momentum in attack.
Building Block
It was a case of the Late Late Show in Orlando for New York City FC, with Jonny Shore’s goal one of the latest in Club history, overtaking Tayvon Gray’s goal against Philadelphia as the latest in an MLS regular-season game.
Although the team wanted to leave Orlando with three points, the character shown to rescue a point and fight until the very last kick was important. It can serve as a building block for a good run of form if the energy is harnessed.
Crunch Time
The business end of the season is here, with both Atlanta and New York City FC having three games still to play.
Both teams retain a chance of making the playoffs, and in the case of New York City, the victory they require could put them 10th in the Eastern Conference, a point below the playoff line.
That pressure is a privilege and not something the team will shy away from. They are determined to be part of the postseason and will produce maximum effort in the games that remain to make that happen.
Throw in the fact that the game is at Citi Field, the site of many a great memory for New York City FC down the years, and the game only further exudes excitement as the chance to make another great memory in Queens provides itself.
Wednesday promises to be a big occasion and one not to be missed.
