Breaking down the September 2024 schedule for NYCFC

New York City FC has not had the best return to Major League Soccer after the Leagues Cup. They made the quarterfinals and even had a fantastic win against Tigres UANL. However, they gave up a 2-0 lead against Chicago Fire FC to draw 2-2 and then lost 4-2 against the Columbus Crew despite playing well for most of the game.

It has been shocking they struggled defensively at the end of the last two fixtures. There is no question they should have beaten Chicago or at least come away with a draw against the Crew. So, it is good that the Pigeons will have some time off before they play their next match on September 14. They will still play four fixtures this month once they resume play.

Hopefully, NYCFC will fix their recent problems and find success as they play some challenging matches. Here is a look at the September schedule.

NYCFC's September 2024 schedule

Saturday, September 14: NYCFC vs D.C. United

NYCFC will come back from the break with a match against D.C. United at Audi Field. The Pigeons won the home fixture earlier in the season and will seek to sweep the team from the District. On paper, they have a chance of winning since D.C. is in 11th place. However, as many know, the road is a dangerous place. That alone will make the game difficult. Plus, the home side won three of the last four MLS fixtures. With Christian Benteke's 17 goals, the Queens team will have a difficult challenge ahead of them.

Wednesday, September 18: NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union

The next game will be a midweek matchup against the Philadelphia Union. NYCFC will return to Yankee Stadium as they try to take on the spirit of Raquinho and beat them again. The Union is not playing their best this season, for usually they are a top-four team. However, while they have a 7-11-9 record, the Pennsylvania side made the third-place match of the Leagues Cup. The summer tournament might spark something in the team as they finish the season.

Saturday, September 21: NYCFC vs Inter Miami CF

It has been a long time since most of Yankee Stadium has been packed for NYCFC. Of course, this time around, many fans and nonfans alike will be there to watch the Pigeons play Inter Miami CF. It is unknown whether Lionel Messi will be available to play due to his injury, but the MLS leaders are full of talent this year. While the Bronx team stole a point on the road in March, the Herons have been strong in their play over their last few months. This could be the most difficult home game of 2024.

Saturday, September 28: NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls

NYCFC will finish the month with the final Hudson River Derby of the year against the New York Red Bulls. This will be a road game, so hopefully more fans will actually go to Red Bull Arena since the Pigeons will need the support. Right now, the Boys in Blue sit three points below fourth-place Red Bulls and will be fighting for that spot in the standings. Plus, the derby is always a scrappy and entertaining battle. If the two sides are still close in the standings, then the match could be the most important one of the month.