NYCFC vs D.C. United preview: Will the winless streak ever end?

It is the start of a busy month. New York City FC will play six games between May 3 and May 23, and it all starts with the fixture against D.C. United. The last time the two teams met, the Pigeons lost at home. As such, they will try to earn three points this time around and win at home.

More importantly, the Boys in Blue desperately need to win to end the six-game winless streak in Major League Soccer. They have beaten MLS opposition since they won against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday. However, that was in the U.S. Open Cup, so the result does not count.

At the very least, the midweek win should boost NYCFC’s confidence. The players know what they are capable of, as seen during the first few games of the season. Everyone, as seen in the Red Bulls match, knows they can score. Everyone knows they are capable of contributing in some way. The issue at hand is that the defense needs to be better. Matt Freese cannot try to save the team on his own. The backline is full of talent, so others like Thiago Martins must step up.

Let’s not wait any longer. Here is a preview of NYCFC’s next game with D.C. United.

NYCFC vs D.C. United preview

Date

NYCFC and D.C. United will face off on Sunday, May 3.

Time

The fixture will begin at 3:00 PM ET.

Location

The match will take place at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, NY.

How to watch

Fans can watch the game on Apple TV.

Weather

It will be a nice spring day at Citi Field. Throughout the match, it will be around 57 degrees and partly cloudy skies. It will be windy with winds around 18 mph, so a light jacket will be needed.

Injury report

Drew Baiera (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), Max Murray (leg), and Kevin O’Toole (leg) are all out against the team from the District. Tayvon Gray is also out due to his red card from the last MLS fixture.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Maxi Moralez. The midfielder had an incredible match against the Red Bulls with his three assists. The fact that he continues to start for the team at 39 shows that he is still valuable on the pitch. He could be one to lead the Queens side out of this MLS slump and into better days.

They should also watch an old friend, Sean Johnson. The goalkeeper was beloved during his time with the Pigeons, but times have not been too great. He was with Toronto FC during the last few seasons that the Reds struggled. It is somewhat unknown what he will be like when he returns to the Big Apple, but he and Freese have similar stats when it comes to saves and goals allowed.

Prediction

Listen, something has to give. The Pigeons need to win, and with Tai Baribo out for the visitors, that should help their ability to defend. Hence, NYCFC will win 3-0, finally ending the winless streak. It will still be tough, but the players will score the goals they are supposed to.

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