NYCFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC preview: Aiming to win two in a row

On Wednesday, New York City FC won their second match in 18 Major League Soccer fixtures.  After a rough start to the week due to Maxime Chanot’s departure, it was a much-needed breather from a difficult season. 

Now, the Pigeons will look to win the second game in a row.  The Bronx side will welcome Vancouver Whitecaps FC this weekend for another Canadian battle.  The two played one another last year to a 0-0 draw.  Overall, NYCFC leads the series with a record of 3-1-2.

Meanwhile, Vancouver is in a better position in the Western Conference standings.  The visitors are in fifth place with 37 points.  Despite picking up a win on Wednesday, the home team continues to sit in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.  The Pigeons will have a tall mountain to climb if they want to continue their win streak against the Canadian sides.

So, here is a preview of the game between NYCFC and Vancouver.

When is the match between New York City FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC?

The match will take place on Saturday, September 2 at 3:30 PM.                       

Where is the NYCFC game?                                                               

The game will take place in the Bronx, NY at Yankee 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 Vancouver Whitecaps?

New York City FC can expect a tougher Whitecaps side than they are used to.  The Canadian side is having a decent season and is already on the way to making the playoffs. They have won their last two matches as well.  Therefore, both teams will be competing for a win streak.

A big part of Vancouver’s success is due to their striker, Brian White, and star midfielder, Ryan Gauld.  In MLS, the 27-year-old White has ten goals and four assists, while the 27-year-old Gauld has nine goals and eight assists.  In total, they have 14 and 10 goals in all competitions, respectively. 

Clearly, White is the biggest scoring threat.  NYCFC’s defense will have a strenuous job of stopping him.  But Gauld will be the player to focus on.  His ability to pick out his teammates is dangerous; the Pigeons cannot allow any goals to be scored.  Otherwise, the likelihood of losing points at home will be very possible.  

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

Supporters should watch Birk Risa in the upcoming match.  The new center-back has hit the ground running since he joined NYCFC.  He has fit in well in the backline.  By the eye test, some would not know the defender recently joined the club.

In addition, Risa already picked up his first assist in the win against CF Montréal.  His ball to Mounsef Bakrar led to the second goal on the night.  His ability to add to the attack is something the Pigeons desperately need. 

Alas, after Bakrar shined in his first couple of games, he then had a few games where he struggled.  Will the same happen to Risa?  This is something fans should watch not just on Saturday, but over the next few fixtures. 

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

New York City FC might be seeking their second win in a row.  However, this is the 2023 season.  Nothing tends to go right, and moments of happiness do not last long.

That is why the prediction for this match is that NYCFC will draw against Vancouver.  The score will end at 1-1.

With that being said, it will depend on how the Pigeons play.  If the team can repeat the first-half performance from the Montréal fixture, then a win will be possible.  Still, a draw seems more likely, especially because Vancouver is a laborious team to beat. 

This will be a challenge for New York City FC.  Hopefully, the aim to win a second in a row will facilitate the team in gathering at least a point.