NYCFC is finally returning home and should be able to compete

New York City FC is finally coming home. After a rough stretch on the road, the Pigeons will play their next three matches at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium, and then four of the next five fixtures will played in New York. The timing for a bunch of home games could not be better, especially since the team only picked up one point in four away Major League Soccer fixtures.

While playing at home tends to be a boost for NYCFC, the Bronx/Queens side must play at the top of their game. The next three meetings include the Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, and the New England Revolution. All three teams are top contenders in the Eastern Conference, so the players cannot let their guards down.

In addition, all three sides sit in the top five: Philadelphia is in fifth place, the Revolution sits in third, and then Cincinnati is at the top of the table. Of course, the Pigeons have already lost to Cincinnati, and then they managed a draw against New England.

NYCFC can compete over the next few games

Undoubtedly, these will be difficult games, but New York City FC is aware that they can compete with New England. In fact, they have beaten Atlanta United FC and Nashville SC at home, for those are the other two teams in the top five of the Eastern Conference, at least at this time. Hence, the Pigeons are highly capable of playing against the best, and winning.

Of course, NYCFC has to score goals. They can play well, but without the goals, then other teams can take advantage with one mistake. It would look terrible if the trend of 1-0 losses continue in front of the team's own fans, so the goals must arrive. But, based on the home record and performances thus far, it is entirely possible and likely that there will be goals.

Moreover, while the struggles were real on the road, the defense was still solid, with the exceptions of the mistakes that led to the goals. Defensively, it has not been perfect, but the backline is one of the stronger ones in the league. With that knowledge, and the higher ability to score at home, NYCFC should be able to compete over their next few games, and grab some wins.

Ideally, New York City FC will win the next four of their five fixtures, specifically the ones at home. Although, if the team goes even 3-1-1 over the next few fixtures, then that will be a decent run.