NYCFC vs Colorado Rapids preview: Seeking the fourth win in a row

Over the last month, New York City FC has climbed the table thanks to three wins and a draw during their five-game homestand.  They will finish the time at home with a match against the Colorado Rapids, whom they last faced in 2022 in Nick Cushing's first game as head coach.  The team will seek their fourth win in a row and first win over a Western Conference side in 2024.

The team also has plenty of confidence after beating Charlotte FC for the first time.  For a while, they were the one team they could not figure out.  Thankfully, NYCFC was able to earn all three points, which is why they are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference entering the fixture against Colorado.

At the same time, the Pigeons seem to have found their goal-scoring boots.  They have yet to score more than two goals in a game, so it will be interesting to see whether they can get that third goal this time.  It might help if Cushing switches it up at the striker position, for Mounsef Bakrar has been struggling to find the back of the net.  There is no question some results could have seen three or four goals if the Algerian capitalized on even a few of his opportunities.

This should be a great match.  Here is a preview of the fixture between NYCFC and the Colorado Rapids.

Date

NYCFC and the Rapids will play each other on Sunday, May 5.

Time

The game is at 4:00 PM ET.

Location

The fixture will be at Citi Field in Flushing in Queens, NY.

How to watch

Fans can watch the game on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  Like every match this weekend, it will be free.

Weather

After a somewhat nice Saturday, Sunday will not be a nice day.  For those attending the match, showers are more than likely. A steady rain should fall throughout the 90 minutes of play.  It will also be around 52 degrees, making it a wet and chilly afternoon.

Injury report

Maxi Moralez (right knee) continues to be out with his injury.  Rio Hope-Gund (right leg) is also out. Talles Magno is finally available after his injury.

Players to watch

NYCFC supporters should watch Cushing this time around.  Will he start Bakrar, or give the struggling striker a mental break?  Who will he start on the wings with a few high-performing players to choose from at this time?  Will he play it safe with the captain Thiago Martins, who had a scary moment last week when he went down and was possibly knocked out?  It will be interesting to see what he does and whether his decisions will lead the team to the fourth win in a row.

Supporters should watch Zack Steffen on the Rapids.  The goalkeeper is trying to make a comeback after recent struggles over the last couple of years.  His move to Manchester City FC hurt him in the long run due to a lack of playing time.  His return to Major League Soccer has not been perfect, for he has allowed 15 goals in ten games.  He is tied with Matt Freese with 34 saves though, meaning he could be difficult to put goals past.  It will be interesting to see how the former number-one USMNT does in Queens.

Prediction

NYCFC is on a run with their recent results.  The desire to finish the homestand strongly will be great.  Hence, the prediction is that the Pigeons will win 3-1.  They will finally score more than two goals, with the final one occurring in stoppage time.