New York City FC vs Houston Dynamo FC preview: The Pigeons head to Texas

This weekend, New York City FC will head to Texas to take on Houston Dynamo FC.  After winning their second match in a row, the team will try to grab their first road win of the season.  Over the last few seasons, road wins were a difficult task for the club, so it will be interesting to see whether the team can adjust for 2023. 

Additionally, NYCFC leads the series against the Dynamo, for they have two wins in five regular season meetings.  In comparison, Houston has just one win, and the other two fixtures ended in a draw.  It might not be a lot to go on, but the edge may give the boost of confidence the team needs. 

Currently, NYCFC sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, with seven points.  After a slow start with scoring, they scored three goals in the win against D.C. United.  Whether the goal scoring continues is yet to be seen, and some wonder whether that was just luck against a struggling D.C. side.

However, Houston is 1-2-0 after three games played.  At the same time, their first win occurred last week, so anything could happen.  Hence, let’s take a look at the upcoming fixture between the two sides.

When is the match between New York City FC and Houston Dynamo FC?

The match will take place on Saturday, March 25, at 8:30 PM.

Where is the NYCFC game?

The game will take place in Houston, Texas at Shell Energy Stadium.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game?

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

What can New York City FC expect from the Houston Dynamo?

New York City FC can expect a Houston side that is adjusting to their new head coach.  Former D.C. Head Coach Ben Olsen was hired after the completion of the 2022 season, and has only led the team in three competitive fixtures.  Subsequently, it would not be surprising if the Pigeons faced a side that was not completely sure of the desired tactics and style from Olsen. 

The Bronx side will also need to keep an eye on Héctor Herrera.  The Mexican international is a strong midfielder who can make life difficult for opposing defenders.  He scored in his last match against Austin FC, so he is someone who is capable of putting the ball into the back of the net. 

He is a true box-to-box midfielder though, and might be one of the best in the league.  If NYCFC can shut him down, then they have the potential to grab a point or three.

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

NYCFC supporters should watch Talles Magno.  Not only did he score his first goal in the last game, but he noticeably moved around the attacking third.  In other words, he did not stay in the center-forward position, and found himself on the left wing too.  If Nick Cushing is implementing this in order for Magno to have stronger performances, then it is working.

It will be interesting to see whether Magno continues to move to the wings throughout the 90 minutes, and whether that will assist him with getting his goal scoring boots.  At the same time, Thiago’s substitute appearance was possibly enough for Cushing to think about starting him up front and center.  That would allow Magno to play where he belongs, and allow rotation in the attacking third. 

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

While New York City FC finally scored, again, their road woes have been a common theme over the past few years.  Although, Houston is adjusting to their new coach, and there have not been too many flashy signings over the last couple of seasons, except for Herrera.  On paper, they do not seem that much stronger compared to 2022. 

Plus, the Pigeons will be without Maxime Chanot, for he will be away on international duty.

Considering the above, the prediction is that New York City FC will score, but the match will end in a 1-1 draw.