NYCFC vs San Jose Earthquakes preview: Seeking a fifth straight win

When New York City FC welcomes the San Jose Earthquakes, they will seek their fifth win in a row.  Despite several questionable performances, the Pigeons have taken twelve of their last twelve available points.  They truly struggled in the previous match against the New England Revolution, but thankfully won due to a goal from Keaton Parks.

The recent period of seven wins in eight fixtures has not been easy, but NYCFC’s ability to grind out and win has illuminated what they can do as a team.  Fans will expect that against the Earthquakes, especially since the Western Conference side is not having the best season.  The Bronx side has not lost to the visiting team, for they are 5-0-1 in Major League Soccer matches.

If the team wants to continue their unbeaten streak against San Jose, then they will have to score goals.  The Earthquakes only have three wins, but they can score goals and be a problem in the final third.  That is why the Pigeons must put the ball in the back of the net.  As good as they are defensively, they cannot rely on the backline and Matt Freese to secure a win.

Can NYCFC win their fifth game in a row?  Here is a preview of the upcoming battle with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Date

NYCFC and the San Jose Earthquakes will play one another on Friday, May 31.

Time

The game is at 7:30 PM ET.                  

Location

The match will take place in the Bronx, NY at Yankee Stadium.

How to watch

Fans can watch the match on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

At kickoff, it will be mostly sunny and around 74 degrees.  There is no chance of rain at this time and the humidity will be extremely low.  It will be a beautiful night in the Bronx, so nobody can blame the weather if they decide not to attend.

Injury report

NYCFC fans can rejoice!  Max Moralez is officially off the injury report, so he is available for Friday’s fixture!  Whether he will play is another question, but at the very least he is ready to go.  This leaves just Rio Hope-Gund (right leg) on the injury report for this week.

Players to watch

After two assists in his last two games, NYCFC fans should watch Tayvon Gray.  The right-back has had good performances and continues to perform well on the defensive end.  Since the Earthquakes are an attack-heavy team, Nick Cushing should keep the Jamaican international in the Starting XI.  Supporters should see how Gray does against the opposition, and whether he can limit opportunities near goal.

On San Jose, the player to watch is Cristian Espinoza.  The player has nine assists and two goals in 2024.  His high assist number illuminates his ability to pick out teammates and contribute to the game.  The Pigeons should focus on keeping the ball away from the 29-year-old to reduce the offensive chances by the Earthquakes.  Everyone should pay attention to whether the home team can do so, and whether Espinoza can grab another assist.

Prediction

Since the Western Conference team is struggling regardless of their play, it is easy to make another positive prediction.  NYCFC will win 3-0, similar to the result in 2022.  There will be an unexpected goal-scorer while Thiago Martins and Birk Risa will help Freese keep the opposing side out of the goal.