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Saturday is Kids Day at Yankee Stadium, and New York City FC will celebrate the youngest fans of the fan base. Hence, with the earlier start, the match is perfect for families, especially those with younger kids. It should also be a thrilling matchup, for the fifth-place team in the Eastern Conference will take on third-place Charlotte FC.
NYCFC needs to try to win for the kids, and really, the whole fan base. But the issue at hand is the team they are playing. The North Carolina side has been kryptonite to the Boys in Blue. In seven Major League Soccer matches, they have a 1-5-1 record, with the lone win occurring last year. Therefore, based on history, the goal to win on Kids Day will be extremely challenging. Plus, Charlotte has won their last nine MLS games.
At the same time, NYCFC has had great results since they last faced the Crown. Sure, there was the loss to D.C. United at home. But there were also brilliant road wins against teams like Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati. And of course, the midweek comeback win at home against the Columbus Crew was incredible.
Alas, that does not take away the history of the past results. So, without further ado, here is a preview of NYCFC’s match with Charlotte FC.
NYCFC vs Charlotte FC preview
Date
NYCFC and Charlotte FC will play on Saturday, September 20.
Time
The game will begin at 12:00 PM ET.
Location
The fixture will take place at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.
How to watch
Fans can watch the match on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Weather
It will be a beautiful day for a game. At the start, it will be sunny and 69 degrees, with low humidity and 10 mph winds. There is no chance of rain.
Injury report
Nico Cavallo (leg), Malachi Jones (leg), and Keaton Parks (leg) are still unavailable for the Pigeons.
Players to watch
Hannes Wolf is the player to watch on NYCFC. The winger scored a brace during the Columbus match, which was his first time scoring since July 3. With the history against Charlotte, it would be great for him to score again. But will he? Can he break down the defense on the wings? This will be something to keep an eye on.
Then, fans should also watch Adilson Malanda. The center-back is one of the best defensive players in the league, and there is a reason he signed with Middlesbrough F.C. in the EFL Championship. He is still with Charlotte due to the loan deal, and defensively, he can be extremely annoying. He leads his team in clearances with 79 and wins over 70% of his aerial duels. The Pigeons must break him down to have chances on target.
Prediction
Based on history and recent form, it is easy to be a little hopeful and realistic. As such, NYCFC will end Charlotte’s winning streak. However, the game will end in a 2-2 draw. There will be some worrisome moments, but overall, the Bronx team should put on a good performance.