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The regular season is over, and New York City FC is back in the MLS Cup Playoffs after missing the postseason in 2023. The Pigeons had a decent end to the season, finishing their last five matches 3-1-1. Sadly, Decision Day did not go as planned, for they lost to CF Montréal. As a result, the Bronx side finished in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
The sad part is that a win would have seen NYCFC end in fourth place. It shows how close fourth to sixth place were in the standings. Alas, the regular season is over and the focus must turn to the playoffs. The Pigeons have a tough matchup in the Round One Best-of-3 series. They will face FC Cincinnati in at least two fixtures, with a possibility of the third game. The first one will take place in Ohio.
NYCFC has struggled against FC Cincinnati over the last few years. However, they beat the team recently for the first time since 2021. The 3-2 win will act as a confidence booster, for the Boys in Blue know they can beat the current roster. Sure, the team’s away record with just four wins is not the best. But the Orange and Blue finished the season with one win in five fixtures, going 1-3-1.
Perhaps this series will lead to an upset. NYCFC proved they can compete with the better teams, especially since they beat Cincinnati and tied Inter Miami CF. Moreover, the Pigeons have shown they can win on the road during the postseason over the last few years. Look at 2021. Three of the four playoff games were on the road, including the Championship game. Anything is possible in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
How to watch and more of the NYCFC’s first 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs game
Date
Time
6:45 PM ET, with an expected kickoff at 6:55 PM ET
How to watch on TV and streaming
FS1 or the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV
How to watch in person
Fans would have to go to Ohio
How to listen
newyorkcityfc.com/radio or via the NYCFC app
How to follow
If NYCFC supporters cannot watch or listen to the game, then they can follow along via MLS Soccer’s timeline and NYCFC’s X account.
Final Notes
It is vital that the NYCFC backline is strong during that first match in Cincinnati. Mistakes like the ones on Decision Day cannot be made. Thiago Martins also must redeem himself after he was at fault for allowing one of the goals by player-watching and not properly defending. This will be a difficult game regardless, but the Pigeons will lose if they make the same mistakes.