NYCFC vs FC Dallas preview: Looking for more goals

This weekend, New York City FC welcomes FC Dallas to Queens for the final game of the three-game home stand.  So far, the team has achieved a draw and a win.  As such, they will hope to grab another three points, and finish the time at home with seven total points.    

Last week, NYCFC took revenge on Nashville SC with a 2-1 win.  Ideally, the Pigeons will build off of that, and not only beat Dallas, but also grow in the goal scoring department.  The players need to capitalize on their opportunities, for they should have scored more this season, even without a striker. 

But Dallas is a tough side, and the Texas team is led by USMNT player, Jesús Ferreira, and has a 4-2-2 record.  Moreover, supporters will remember the last time they visited NYCFC for a home game.  In 2021, the fixture ended in a 3-3 draw, for poor management at the end and poor mistakes throughout led to the loss of points.  There is no doubt that the team wants to ensure the end result is different from that disappointing draw. 

So, here is the preview of the NYCFC match against Dallas.

When is the match between New York City FC and FC Dallas?

The match will take place on Saturday, April 22, at 7:30 PM.

Where is the NYCFC game?

The game will take place in Queens, NY at Citi Field.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game?

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This game is available for free.

What can New York City FC expect from FC Dallas?

It might be repetitive, but New York City FC can expect another tough match.  FC Dallas has started the season off well, and sits in fourth place in the Western Conference.  They also play close games, for five of their eight fixtures played are separated by just one goal.  Of those five, three were wins.  Plus, two more fixtures ended in a draw.  Hence, supporters can expect a close game between Dallas and NYCFC.

Additionally, Ferreira is a big threat.  The center-forward has five goals already this season, and is a fantastic goal scorer off of the counter.  The Pigeons will have to pay attention to him, especially since he scored during that crazy draw in 2021.

Meanwhile, the head coach, Nico Estévez, has improved the team significantly since he joined prior to the 2022 season.  The Spaniard has instituted a fast style of play, and this facilitates Dallas in the counter-attack, but overall allows them to speedily move up the pitch on attacking opportunities.   

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

NYCFC supporters should watch James Sands.  The American international has been wearing the captain’s armband regularly, and it feels like he is now the main captain.  He has been superb throughout the season, but on Wednesday, he had a mid-week game with the USMNT.  Not only did he get the start, but he played extremely well in what was a lackluster evening for the national team. 

Therefore, fans should pay attention to see whether Sands continues to be the great passer and intervener that he is.  Not only will NYCFC need him to be at his best, especially with breaking up passes, but they will need him to put his defensive abilities to work when Dallas has the counter-attack opportunities.  If the midfielder plays at his best, then that should aid the Pigeons with a chance to keep the opposing side out of goal. 

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

New York City FC needs to continue improving, and hopefully the game against Nashville SC is a sign of better things to come.  But that 3-3 draw aginst Dallas in 2021 still sits in some supporters’ minds.  Then, last season, the Pigeons won 1-0, but it was a close game. 

With the history in mind, and with the fact NYCFC will be playing at home once again, it is predicted that they will draw Dallas, 2-2.  It would not be the ideal result, but the season has been up and down thus far, and the Texas team is hard to break down defensively, for the most part.  

If New York City FC wants to beat Dallas, they will have to play like they did in the first half against Nashville, and score more than two goals.