New York City FC vs DC United Game Preview

The Managers: 

New York City FC- Nick Cushing

The second year Head Coach of the Pigeons is still a bit of an enigma, and considered a prime candidate for being let go this season. Appointed as Head Coach in November 2022, Cushing has yet to truly endear himself to the fan base and is still looking to put his full stamp on the team. Brought on as an assistant by former head coach Ronny Deila in January 2020, Cushing was a part of the MLS Cup winning team, and saw the team at its best. Cushing became interim head coach on June 13, 2022 when Deila left for a job in Belgium. Since being made the permanent Head Coach it’s been a mixed bag in regards to results. This season he is attempting to kickstart a rebuild project that didn’t take hold last season.

Cushing’s coaching philosophy centers around a certain set of principles. The first is having his players focus on the team’s principles and concepts. He believes that success starts with a deep understanding of how NYCFC wants to play and win. He tends to adapt his in game strategies based on the squad he has available rather than who he’s playing. Rather than fixating solely on the opposition, he encourages his players to focus on their own game and execute their team’s style effectively. A style that looks to play attractive soccer. Cushing wants his team to control the game through quick accurate passing. He has tended to focus on the development of his young players through providing consistency in both training and matches.

This coaching philosophy has helped Cushing ensure that NYCFC remain competitive but hasn’t always led to victories, which is why he remains an enigma for fans of the Boys in Blue.

DC United - Troy Lesesne - 

The DC United Head Coach is making a good name for himself within MLS. He’s brought a fresh perspective and a new tactical approach that aims to elevate the performance of the Black & Red. He favors an aggressive, high-pressing style of play. Lesesne has his players apply intense pressure on opponents, especially in the midfield and defensive thirds. By disrupting the opposition’s build-up play, he aims to regain possession quickly and create scoring opportunities.

A big part of what the new coach is doing is building a new culture within DC United. He is  prioritizing player development and well-being. He promotes the nurturing of a positive environment and believes in a building strong relationships throughout the club, which will lead to better performance on the field. His approach has been holistic, considering both physical and mental aspects of the game.

With over 20 years of coaching experience at various levels, Lesesne brings authenticity to his interactions. His journey from college coaching, through USL and to MLS has shaped his understanding of American soccer, and proven to him the value of hard work and perseverance. The DC United players have expressed their respect for his hard work and dedication, and seemed to have adopted his philosophies, which can only help lead to success for the team.

Game Preview: 

New York City FC (NYCFC) has shown glimpses of promise the last few games having struggled with inconsistency to start the season. They are aiming to build on their recent victory over New England to secure three points at home. On the other hand United had a disappointing home loss to Orlando City last week they need to bounce back from. Unfortunately United will be missing a number of key players. 

Two of United’s MVP candidates in Mateusz Klich and Aaron Herrera, will be unavailable due to yellow card accumulation. Their absence will make it difficult for the Black & Red. It will be a tough test for United, and a good chance to see how well Head Coach Troy Lesesne’s new team first culture has taken root.

Keys to the Match: 

How well can United’s bench step-up?

United Head Coach faces a challenging situation with a number of key players unavailable for their match against against NYCFC. Talented young attacking midfielder Ted Ku-DiPietro is still out with an injury. He is joined by Mateusz Klich and Aaron Herrera, who are both serving one-game suspensions due to yellow card accumulation. Their absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s performance, especially considering Klich’s midfield presence and Herrera’s defensive contributions. Then it became known that versatile defender Conor Antley might not be available for the game in New York.

This will all mean that Troy Lesesne will need to make some adjustments to the starting lineup. The absence of Klich might prompt Lesesne to rely on young midfielders Matti Peltola and Jackson Hopkins. These two haven’t played together much of late as they have rotated the defensive midfielder position between them. Now they will need to work together to make up for the absence of Klich.

The continued absence of Ted KDP with a hip injury will probably mean that Gabriel Pirani gets reinserted into the starting lineup. He played the second half against Orlando and was much more active, scoring once and being goal dangerous on two additional occasions. He has not yet really looked comfortable dribbling and taking on defenders, so it will be interesting to see if Lesesne tries to keep him higher up the pitch.

The absence of Herrera might be the hardest shoes to fill, especially with the injury to Conor Antley. With no other true Right Back, Lesesne may alter the team’s formation to adapt to the loss of Herrera. A shift to a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 might be necessary with Jared Stroud and Cristian Dajome playing Wingbacks.

It will be interesting to see if Head Coach Troy Lesesne utilizes the services of under utilized Mohanad Jeahze and Martín Rodríguez in this game. Jeahze starting could push Dajome up the pitch and allow Fletcher to come off the bench. Martín Rodríguez could start instead of either Fletcher or Pirani, allowing either of those players to come off the bench. Or both Jeahze and Rodríguez could be subs who help change the game in the second half.

Can DC United’s Defense Keep City Down? NYCFC is playing better than they did in the early games of the season, but scoring is still been a problem for the team. NYCFC have logged just two goals in three games, and one of those was an own goal that was deflected into the net by an Inter Miami defender. DC, on the other hand, has given up five goals in three games. The defense for the Black & Red has been better this season, but are coming off a home loss where they yielded 3 goals. Head Coach Troy Lesesne says the team has to maintain its focus throughout the game, so DC United stop surrendering points. If the Black & Red do better at remaining focused and organized in the waning moments of a match, they will do better at protecting their leads and get wins over draws.  

Can DC Handle NYCFC’s Press? 

The Pigeons have at times used a highly effective press to initiate their attack. They pressed high up the pitch and used the narrow dimensions of their formation to force New England into turnovers. With young midfielders Matti Peltola and Jackson Hopkins most likely starting, the Black & Red could be vulnerable to a press. Both players have had moments of brilliance this season but they also have not always handled pressure well. Both need to be quicker to the ball, and quicker in their decision-making.

In truth Peltola and Hopkins have shown the ability to control the ball, and to move it forward into the attack. They need to play with confidence and hustle. A good showing in the Big Apple could go a long way in building the confidence of these young players.

Things to Watch: 

Offense - DC United may not try to build out of the back as they have in past games. With New York probably pressing and the absence of Klich in the midfield the Black & Red are more likely to rely more on direct passing than has been the norm of late. Christen Benteke’s ability to win the aireal  ball and hold up play will be a key to breaking down the Pigeon’s press. Wingers like Jared Stroud and Cristian Dajome will look to stretch the NYCFC defense, and pickup quick flicks from the Belgian Striker. In turn their movements should allow Benteke and Pirani to find gaps to attack New York’s penalty box. This is a game where Kristen Fletcher could be useful in making runs behind the defense. He got the start versus Orlando, and played the first half, but didn’t look fully comfortable. More playing time might be necessary for him to be more confident in his ability. When he gets that confidence he will be truly dangerous in the offense.

Through the first quarter of the season DC has multiple goal scorers, and has been one of the leaders in XG. This is good that the Black & Red has multiple players capable of putting the ball on target, but if it’s to win more consistently than United has to take better advantage of this and find consistency in scoring. 

Christian Benteke has shown he can put himself in dangerous positions and score, with six goals on the season. To be successful in New York the team will need to find ways to continue to get him the ball. As Benteke makes himself a goal threat, his teammates have to take advantage of chances that will present themselves. If DC United can create scoring opportunities, they have a chance to get their first road win.

Defense - The good news is that United won’t have to deal with playing at Yankee Stadium as this match has been scheduled for Citi Field. DC has never won in Yankee Stadium, so playing someplace else is already a plus.

With so many players missing, expect DC to start with a three player back line. If Conor Antley can’t go, expect Matai Akinmboni to get the start. The young player has shown well in the past, and has the athleticism to be a dominant defender. To help Akinmboni, Head Coach Lesesne will likely have the Black & Red focus on maintaining a compact defensive shape, especially when NYCFC presses high. With United players staying close together, they will reduce passing lanes and make it difficult for the Pigeons to penetrate centrally.

United have shown a good ability to tie up the middle of the field, but that was with Klich. Midfielders Matti Peltola and Jackson Hopkins might drop deeper than usual to provide better cover for the back line and to be passing options for the Center Backs and help transition the ball forward.

Expect United to play direct, and keep the ball in New York’s half as much as possible. look for vertical progression through the lines. Instead of playing laterally, the Black & Red will aim to break lines with forward passes. Then if they turn over the ball, United players will press higher up the field, so they can disrupt the New York’s build-up and force turnovers closer to their goal.

James Sands returned to NYCFC last season, and helped to solidify the defensive midfield, and give cover to their back line, but he has shown he can be rattled if put under pressure. Would expect Lesesne to have the team moving without the ball to force Sands and Keaton Parks to follow and move out of position.

The defensive line and midfielders will need to step forward collectively, putting pressure on the ball carrier and limiting passing options. United will need to be better organized though, as the third goal surrendered to Orlando was due to the press being out of synch, and too much space left behind the back line.

By the Numbers:

New York City FC

NYCFC offense ranks 27th in MLS with 7 goals, 0.9 per match.

NYCFC has allowed 9 goals, for 9th in MLS

NYCFC with a negative 2 goal differential rank 20th.

NYCFC’s Santiago Rodriguez has scored 3 goals this season. 

Julian Fernandez has 1 goal and 1 assist.

Axel Ojeda has scored 1 goal.

Thiago Martins Bueno has zero goals, but has 1 assist.

DC United 

DC United has scored 12 goals in 8 matches this season for 9th in MLS.

DC United sits 16th in MLS with 12 goals conceded, 1.5 per match.

DC United has an even goal differential, to rank 18th in MLS.

DC United’s Christian Benteke has 6 goals and 2 assists 

Jared Stroud has 1 goal and 1 assist.

Gabriel Pirani has 1 goal and 1 assist.

Predictions:

Richard -  2 - 0 Loss.  Both teams have found scoring to be problematic at times. United having squandered good opportunities in the past 3 games will find it hard to break through with so many players missing. NYCFC doesn’t invite open and free play and DC will get their first road loss.