NYCFC vs Charlotte FC preview: Win Round One at home in the MLS Cup Playoffs

This weekend, New York City FC will play the second game of the Round One Best-of-3 series in the MLS Cup Playoffs.  The Pigeons will host Charlotte FC after last playing in North Carolina on Tuesday.  They won 1-0 to take the first match, and now they need just one more win to move on in the postseason.

As it has been repeatedly mentioned, playing at home does not mean that NYCFC will have the home-field advantage.  The team lost six games at home in the regular season, subsequently fracturing the idea that they dominate at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.  At least, they made up for it by winning six times on the road after struggling away from home over the last few years.

So, how can NYCFC win at home?  The players need to capture the first half of the first playoff meeting.  The Boys in Blue were the better side offensively and found the back of the net.  This time, they need more goals, which means Alonso Martínez cannot be the only one to score.  Other players must step up.  While they were threatening in that first half, the second half was predominantly a defensive one.  They must be on the attack throughout the entire 90 minutes, and others must capitalize on their chances.

There is a lot on the line with this game.  Win, and the Bronx side moves on.  Lose, and they will play one final game back in Charlotte.  Let’s look at the preview of NYCFC’s next playoff match.

NYCFC vs Charlotte FC preview

Date

NYCFC and Charlotte will play one another on Saturday, November 1.

Time

The match will start at 3:30 PM ET.

Location

The game will take place at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the fixture on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.  It will be available for free.

Weather

It will be around 57 degrees and partly cloudy when the game begins.  Thankfully, there will be no rain like there was on Thursday, but it will still be a little windy, with winds around 15 mph.  Again, that will not be as bad as Thursday or Halloween.

Injury report

Malachi Jones (leg) and Keaton Parks (leg) continue to be out for the Pigeons. In addition, Máximo Carrizo is away on international duty.

Players to watch

Matt Freese is the player to watch for NYCFC.  The goalkeeper was brilliant in the first match, making four saves and bravely coming off his line a few times to keep the Crown out of the goal.  If he has a similar game, then he can give the Pigeons a shot at another clean sheet.  Of course, the defensive work from everyone helped him, but it was not perfect.  That is where Freese came in, and he could be a game-changer on Saturday.

Wilfried Zaha is, of course, the player to watch on Charlotte FC.  The winger had ten goals and six assists in the regular season, a major reason why the team finished in fourth place.  Like Freese, he can be a game-changer and be the reason why his team beats the Bronx side.

Prediction

This is a game that could go in many different directions.  However, positivity can go a long way.  NYCFC and Charlotte will end regulation with a 2-2 score, but the Pigeons will dominate in the penalty kick shootout to secure a Round One victory.