NYCFC vs Orlando City SC preview: Can the Pigeons end their three-game losing streak?

New York City FC has not had the best month of June after another loss on the road to Nashville SC last Saturday. They dropped to sixth place as they continue to look for their first win since before the international break. Despite an easier opponent with Orlando City SC coming to town, can the Boys in Blue end this losing skid?  

Orlando is currently in 10th place, with eight points separating them and NYCFC. With their top two players playing in Copa América, this opens the opportunity for the home side to get back in the win column. After a disappointing home loss to Columbus earlier in the month, the Pigeons will return to the Bronx where they look to defend their turf, with Orlando losing the last three games in New York, dating back to 2021.   

With Maxi Moralez back and no injuries to the team, there aren't excuses for the lack of good performances. Early season fatigue could be a factor, with constant back-to-back matches required by MLS as the season enters the long hot summer days. With Mounsef Bakrar still struggling and Jovan Mijatović failing to produce, the goals will have to come elsewhere. Right now, Santiago Rodríguez and Hannas Wolf continue to carry the attack, and Matt Freese continues to make a name as MLS's best goalkeeper of the season.

Can NYCFC break out of this funk on Friday? Here is a preview of the match against Orlando City SC.  

Date 

NYCFC and Orlando City SC will play each other on Friday, June 28.  

Time 

The game is at 7:30 PM ET.  

Location 

The match is set to take place at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.  

How to watch 

Fans can watch the game on Apple TV with the MLS Season Pass.

Weather 

By the time kick-off hits, the temperature should start to lower with a high of 73 and a low of 68 degrees. No rain is expected to occur, with winds coming from the southeast at 10 MPH, with humidity under 40 percent. It will be partly cloudy throughout the night.

Injury Report 

NYCFC will enter the match with a full bill of health, with everyone available to play on Friday.

Players to watch 

Wolf has not been on the scoresheet in the last three matches and is hungry to return, making him a player to watch. He was given rest as a starter against Nashville, with Moralez getting the nod in the attacking midfield. Therefore, with fewer minutes played last week, Wolf looks to be well-rested for Friday’s game. He continues to be a game-changer on the pitch with his hustle and ability to make quick transitions in the final third. The Austrian could have the potential to knock one in the net as well, making him a player to watch. 

For Orlando, NYCFC should keep an eye on Facundo Torres. He’s been the team’s top producer of goals of late, with four goals and one assist in the last five matches. Torres has the second most goals in the team, as he also averages about 4.4 crosses per game in 17 appearances. The backline for NYCFC will need to be careful about giving him too much space, as he can get the ball in the back of the net from anywhere from the 18-yard box.   

Prediction 

With NYCFC outscoring Orlando 8-1 in the last three home games, a win should be in the works. A solid 2-0 win sounds like the NYCFC way, with a goal in each half from a set-piece situation.