NYCFC vs LA Galaxy preview: A rebound is needed on the road

  • NYCFC and the LA Galaxy will play one another in a midweek matchup
  • The Pigeons want to rebound after a loss to the Columbus Crew
  • Here is a preview of the LA game
Santiago Rodríguez of NYCFC
Santiago Rodríguez of NYCFC / Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
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New York City FC will be looking to rebound when they travel to California to face the Los Angeles Galaxy.  This will be the first time the teams played one another since 2022 and the seventh competitive competition.

Despite the loss to the Columbus Crew, NYCFC is still doing well over their last few months.  The team has won eight of their last ten matches.  In addition, they are finding their identity on the pitch and earning wins in ugly fixtures.  This marks a great team in Major League Soccer, but whether they can maintain this level of play remains questionable.

It was also supposed to be a battle of number tens.  NYCFC has Santiago Rodríguez and Maxi Moralez, while LA has Riqui Puig.  Puig will officially not play though, for he is dealing with a slight injury.  The same could go for Moralez.  Since there are two fixtures this week, Nick Cushing might refrain from putting the veteran in the LA game.  Nonetheless, it should give the visitors an advantage, for Puig is a vital part of the Galaxy.

The match might be late, but it is one fans should tune into.  Here is a preview of the NYCFC game with the LA Galaxy.

Date

NYCFC and the LA Galaxy will face off on Wednesday, June 19.

Time

The game is at 10:30 PM ET.

Location

The match will occur in Carson, CA at Dignity Health Sports Park.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the match on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This match will be available for free.

Weather

It should be a beautiful evening over in Carson.  It will be sunny and about 69 degrees.  There will be a slight breeze as well.

Injury report

Rio Hope-Gund (right leg) continues to be out, with the club still not releasing more details about his injury.  Thiago Martins is available, but fans will have to wait and see whether he actually plays.

Additionally, Mitja Ilenič is out due to his red card suspension.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Santiago Rodríguez.  The midfielder scored over the weekend against Columbus and continues to be productive in the midfield.  His ability to be an offensive threat and influence how the team plays is something that could help the Pigeons against a talented LA team.

On the Galaxy, supporters should pay attention to Dejan Joveljić.  The striker has scored ten goals this season and is one of the top attackers in Major League Soccer.  If players like Thiago Martins and Kevin O’Toole do not play, then it would not be surprising for the forward to put the ball into the back of the net.

Prediction

As much as it would be nice to grab another road win, the match will be extremely difficult.  That is why the prediction is that NYCFC will draw 1-1.  LA will outplay them, but the Pigeons will be ready to go defensively, regardless of who plays.

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