Skyscraper Blues
FanSided

NYCFC vs Sporting KC preview: Let’s flip the switch

  • The road trip will continue when NYCFC takes on Sporting KC
  • The Pigeons are unbeaten against KC over the last four regular-season matches
  • Here is a preview of the game
ByCaitlyn Chale|
Maxi Moralez of NYCFC
Maxi Moralez of NYCFC | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York City FC just won their second road game of the season when the Pigeons shocked the theme park capital of the world and beat Orlando City SC 2-1.  They played poorly for a good portion of the match but somehow turned things around, with a little luck, to secure a win.  As such, the Bronx side must try to flip the switch with their road misfortunes by getting their third win when they face Sporting Kansas City this weekend.

There are some concerns that the focus will be on the win.  But NYCFC must play better, especially in the final third.  The first half in Orlando was absolutely terrible, and that should be concerning.  At the very least, they are unbeaten in the last four games against Kansas City.  That comes with an asterisk, though, for the two last played in 2022.  And no, the preseason friendly this year does not count.

As such, it is vital to capture the ferocity of the attack from the Charlotte FC game that did not lead to any goals, but capture the fun of the Toronto FC fixture that saw the Pigeons score three times.

Of course, there have been too many games that have not gone the way they should have.  Can the Boys in Blue outplay their opponent and deserve three points on the road?  Here is a preview of the match between NYCFC and Sporting KC.

NYCFC vs Sporting KC preview   

Date

NYCFC and Sporting KC will battle it out on Saturday, July 19.

Time

The fixture will begin at 8:30 PM ET.

Location

The match will take place at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS.

How to watch

Fans can watch the game on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Weather

It will be a hot one in Kansas City, for it will be 90 degrees and sunny.  The humidity will not be the highest at 51% but the temperature will feel like it is 100.  More than likely, there will be hydration breaks

Injury report

Malachi Jones (leg), Keaton Parks (leg), and Hannes Wolf (leg) will all be out for the match.

Players to watch

Maxi Moralez is the player to watch for NYCFC.  While the midfielder was taken out in the middle of the second half against Orlando, he was the bright light in the first half.  Pascal Jansen should probably rest him as a starter, but based on this season thus far, he will probably start.  But the 38-year-old’s youth was on display in Florida.  He was pressuring defenders like he was a young player again.  Plus, he continues to be a vital cog in the midfield.

Dejan Joveljić is the player to watch for Sporting KC.  The former LA Galaxy star has found himself from being at the top after winning the MLS Cup with LA to a struggling Kansas City team.  Notably, he would have been on a struggling team regardless.  Still, he has 13 goals in the regular season and continues to perform well every week.

Prediction

When looking at the schedule for July, this was the game that NYCFC had the highest chance of winning.  While they won in Orlando, the road struggles still exist.  Not having Wolf does not help either.  That is why it is predicted that the Pigeons will draw 1-1.  They will play better this time around, but an own goal will not help them in the chase for three points.

Home/NYCFC News