NYCFC vs Orlando City SC Preview: Midweek game before a bye

This has probably been repeated a lot, but New York City FC has not had a fun time on the road.  Unfortunately, they have lost three away fixtures in a row in Major League Soccer, and then four in all competitions.  Goals have been lacking, and small mistakes have been to blame for the lack of points picked up away from home.

But, have no fear, for the end of the road trip is near.  NYCFC will travel to Florida to take on Orlando City SC in their final game of the road trip, and will return home the following week.  Plus, the team has a bye over the weekend, so they will get some time to reflect and hopefully adjust to this poor period of play.

Still, there is one more to go, but Orlando can be a tough side to beat.  There have been some harsh losses in the Sunshine state, but alas, it is a new day.  Perhaps the Pigeons can figure it out and grab even a point in the final road trip fixture.  But, like many, the likelihood feels slim. 

Therefore, let’s take a look at the upcoming match between NYCFC and Orlando City.

When is the match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC?

The match will take place on Wednesday, May 17, at 7:30 PM.

Where is the NYCFC game?

The game will take place in Orlando, Florida at Exploria Stadium.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game?

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This one will be available for free.

What can New York City FC expect from Orlando City?

New York City FC can expect another hard match, for they are on the road.  Regarding Orlando City, they are equal with points with the Pigeons, for both have 15.  They have won just once in their last five fixtures in all competitions, for they also have been going through a difficult season. 

Still, the City Blue side entered Toronto, Charlotte, and New Jersey as the better team standings wise, and lost all three times.  Hence, if the trend was to continue, then no matter how NYCFC plays, fans should expect another loss. 

In addition, Orlando has some good players, including their goalkeeper, Pedro Gallese.  There have been some matches where he was a wall for the Pigeons, and scoring was a difficult task.  Now, with the issues with scoring, some might assume he will be able to keep the players out of the goal.  But, like it has been said on this road trip, if NYCFC can play similar to how they play at home, then they can grab all three points. 

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

Like the FC Cincinnati fixture, supporters should watch every single NYCFC player on the pitch.  The team is on this terrible losing streak, so who will step up?  More importantly, with the bye this upcoming weekend, will Nick Cushing choose the best of the best for the Starting XI?

Supporters should also watch which attacking players give their all.  Talles Magno has struggled over the last few games, but if he plays like his life depends on it, then he can spark the offensive players, both as a threat and provider.  But he, Gabriel Pereira, and the rest of the goal scorers must play with urgency from the first whistle to the end of the match.    

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

New York City FC has been on a rough patch.  It is hard to see a major change in their recent form until they return home where success has been possible.  Goals are hard to come by, and it feels like the Pigeons are bound to make one critical mistake in every away fixture they play.

As a result, the prediction is that NYCFC will lose, 2-1.  They will continue to play well when it comes to passing and possession, but unfortunately they will only manage one goal. 

What happens next though will depend on the Starting XI that is chosen, and whether the players give their all throughout the entire 90 minutes.  New York City FC is under immense pressure to grab at least one win on the road, and sadly they have just one more chance to do so.