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New York City FC will begin their 2024 Leagues Cup at home after a four-game road trip before the Major League Soccer season’s break. The Pigeons only earned three points out of a possible 12, making the road trip not successful. The only match where the result was an acceptable one was the Atlanta United FC fixture. It ended in a comeback 2-2 draw where Talles Magno scored the tying goal.
Thankfully, NYCFC plays one fixture at home in the group round of the Leagues Cup. They will welcome Querétaro F.C. to Yankee Stadium, seeking the first win since July 3. This will be the first competitive match between the teams, but it is not the first meeting. The Bronx side and Liga MX team met in a preseason friendly back in 2022, where NYCFC won 4-1. Magno and Santiago Rodríguez scored during the game.
Hence, the Pigeons are not going in entirely unsure of what to expect. At the same time, the teams have changed since then. It would not be a bad idea to have some of the players who played in that friendly on the pitch this weekend. Magno should get a chance to start as well, as long as he is on the wings.
It is almost time for the Leagues Cup. Here is a preview of NYCFC’s game against Querétaro F.C. in the group round.
Date
The match between NYCFC and Querétaro F.C. will take place on Sunday, July 28.
Time
The fixture is at 8:00 PM ET.
Location
The game is at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.
How to watch
Supporters can watch the match on FS1, UniMas, and Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass. It will be available for free on Apple.
Weather
It will be a nice night for the Leagues Cup. It will be around 79 degrees and cloudy. Rain is not in the forecast though. There will also be a slight breeze.
Injury report
NYCFC will be without two players: Malachi Jones (right leg) and Andrés Perea (right leg).
Players to watch
NYCFC supporters should watch Thiago Martins. The center-back is returning from his time at the MLS All-Star game and will be slightly less rested compared to his teammates. He must start though, for he has become one of the better center-backs in MLS. Fans were hard on him during his first two years, but he is quietly having an excellent season.
On the Gallos Blancos, fans should watch Pablo Barrera. The veteran winger still plays well at 37 and has a goal already in the short Liga MX season so far. He can be problematic heading up the right side of the pitch. Regardless of whether Christian McFarlane or Kevin O’Toole starts, they will have a challenge on their hands.
Prediction
On paper, NYCFC should win this match. Therefore, the prediction is that they will win 3-1, allowing one goal. Matt Freese will otherwise have a great game between the sticks.