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The international break is over, and New York City FC has a few critical games ahead in the next few weeks. After losing to D.C. United, a team the Bronx team should not have lost to, the pressure is back on to win as much as possible. The Boys in Blue remain in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, but behind them is the next opponent, Chicago Fire FC.
Just two points separate the teams, making the trip to the Windy City a close battle. Therefore, NYCFC cannot afford to go on another poor stretch. Truthfully, there was hope that the team would climb the table after the Leagues Cup ended. Instead, it has been slightly up and down. Additionally, other teams have also earned the points that they need, keeping the Pigeons in the same spot.
The issue at hand, though, is that Chicago has some brilliant players. Hugo Cuypers and Philip Zinckernagel have 16 and 12 goals, respectively, and arguably have kept the Fire in the fight for a playoff spot. Plus, Zinckernagel has ten regular assists and 13 Major League Soccer counted assists, making him the biggest threat on the pitch. Moreover, the team is 2-1-1 in their last four matches. Matt Freese, Thiago Martins, and the rest of the NYCFC defense must play one of the best games of the season if they want to leave with any points.
Unquestionably, the Pigeons are capable of playing against top players. But which team will show up? Will it be the one that lost to D.C. United, or the one that convincingly beat FC Cincinnati?
How to watch NYCFC’s game with Chicago and more
Date
Time
8:30 PM ET, with an expected start at 8:40 PM ET
How to watch on TV and streaming
The MLS Season Pass via Apple TV
How to watch in person
Fans would have to head to the Windy City
How to listen
newyorkcityfc.com/radio or via the NYCFC app
How to follow
If NYCFC fans cannot watch or listen to the game, then they can follow along via MLS Soccer’s timeline and NYCFC’s X account. Additionally, the club will post updates here and there on Facebook.
Final Notes
Chicago is a team known for scoring goals. As such, while NYCFC needs to be their best defensively, the team knows the Fire could easily put the ball into the back of the net. That is why it is vital that the Pigeons score multiple goals.