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NYCFC vs Westchester SC preview: The Round of 32 in the 2026 U.S. Open Cup

The U.S. Open Cup is back for NYCFC, and the team will play Westchester SC in the Round of 32. Winning is the only option. So, here is a preview of the fixture.
Pascal Jansen of NYCFC
Pascal Jansen of NYCFC | Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

New York City FC is back in the U.S. Open Cup, where they will begin their journey in the Round of 32.  The Boys in Blue will face Westchester SC, a team in the USL League One.  This will be the first meeting between the two sides, for Westchester only played their first season last year.

Expectations are high for NYCFC.  Not only do they need to stop a winless streak of three matches, but they must not repeat what happened last year.  The Bronx team lost to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the Round of 32, losing their only game in the tournament to the USL Championship side.  The Boys in Blue also lost the first game they played in the Open Cup back in 2023, with 2024 being the year that NYCFC II played in the tournament.

Hence, it would be embarrassing if the Pigeons lose in the Round of 32 for the third time in a row.  And sure, the team has not done too well in the tournament for most of their history.  However, it would be great to change that.  Some Major League Soccer teams do not treat the Open Cup seriously, but Pascal Jansen should encourage his players and even put out some everyday starters.  After all, winning it all would mean another trophy and some prize money.

NYCFC should win on paper, but the players must play at a high level to ensure that they score goals and dominate their opponents.  Here is a preview of the upcoming game against Westchester.

NYCFC vs Westchester SC preview

Date

NYCFC and Westchester SC will play on Tuesday, April 14.

Time

The game will begin at 7:30 PM ET.

Location

The match will occur at Mount Vernon Memorial Field.

How to watch

Fans can watch the fixture on Paramount+.

Weather

It is starting to feel like spring and summer in the New York tri-state area, and Tuesday night is no different.  It will be around 79 degrees when the game kicks off.  It will be partly cloudy with a 9% chance of rain.  The humidity will be about 40%, and the winds will be between 10 and 15 mph.

Injury report

It is unknown whether there will be an injury report, so the one from this weekend will be used.  Drew Baiera (leg), Máximo Carrizo (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), Max Murray (leg), and Andrés Perea (leg) are unavailable.  Thiago Martins was out as well, but he was questionable at first.  More than likely, the captain will be held out.

Players to watch

Rather than a player, NYCFC supporters should pay attention to Jansen.  What will the head coach decide to do with his roster?  Will any of the main starters start?  They should, but at the same time, some of the Homegrown and younger players should start.  But Jansen must put out a lineup that can take down Westchester SC with ease.

Fans should also watch Dean Guezen on the other New York team.  The Dutch player leads his team with four goals and has plenty of experience with the youth teams of some of the top Dutch sides.  He is one of their best players, so NYCFC will have to shut him down.

Prediction

It would be shocking if the match ended in a loss.  However, as it is known, that is always a possibility.  Still, NYCFC will win 3-0, defending comfortably to move on to the Round of 16.

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