Minnesota United face NYCFC
Minnesota United hit the Big Apple for the first time on Thursday night.
NYCFC are hitting some serious form going into what looks like a compelling July.
With games against the top two in the conference coming up fast, the team has a chance to make it four wins on the bounce when Minnesota arrive for this midweek matchup.
If Patrick Vieira’s side can do it, it will be just the second time in club history that we’ve managed to win four successive games and the first time in almost exactly a year.
It was July 6, 2016 when NYCFC last tasted victory for a fourth game in a row after inflicting a 1-0 defeat on the Revs.
While it’s still a little early to be talking about MLS Playoffs, there’s no question we seem to be hitting form at a good time in the season.
NYCFC are hosting league newcomers Minnesota United for the first time ever Thursday night.
MNUFC sit in 9th place in the Western Conference standings through 17 matches, four points out of the final playoff spot. The expansion side has won just two out of it’s last six matches, while NYCFC are unbeaten in their last four.
In their last match at Yankee Stadium before a long international break, Patrick Vieira’s squad could extend their current winning streak to four matches–equaling the longest in club history–with a win over the Loons. Can they do it without playmaker Maxi Moralez?
The Argentine midfielder is still working his way back to full fitness after injuring his calf, but with Ronald Matarrita back in the side, only Khiry Shelton will join him on the injury report.
Meanwhile, Sean Johnson is preparing for the Gold Cup with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
But while one U.S. international leaves, another enters. U.S. Women’s National Team legend Brandi Chastain will be at the match for Soccer Sister’s Night alongside author Andrea Montalbano. You can purchase tickets for a special meet and greet with Brandi before the matchright here.
Things are looking a bit tougher for the visitors, who will have three consistent contributors, including the first overall pick of this year’s SuperDraft Abu Danladi, among their list of injured players. Taking over Danladi’s attacking responsibilities will likely be Costa Rican international Johan Venegas, while Jermaine Taylor could step in for Brent Kallman in the center of the Loons’ defense.
Injury Report
NYCFC:
Suspended: NoneInt’l Duty: GK Sean JohnsonInjured: OUT – M Maxi Moralez, F Khiry Shelton
Minnesota United FC
Suspended: NoneInt’l Duty: NoneInjured: OUT – M Bernardo Anor, M/D Thomas de Villardi, D Joseph Greenspan, D Marc Burch, F Abu Danladi, D Vadim Demidov, D Brent Kallman.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV7YSwcA-L_/
