Steve Birnbaum will have his hands full with David Villa on Sunday at Yankee Stadium (photo credit: Jennifer Jordan-Harrell)
Last season NYCFC got the best of United on two out of three occasions. The boys in blue snagged six points out of the first two matches in 2016, including a 3-2 barn burner at Yankee Stadium. United did pull off a win in their final match-up, but that match occurred at RFK Stadium. In general United have struggled in the Big Apple losing both matches on the road over the last two seasons.
If United are to turn around their fortunes on Sunday they are going to need a better effort on defense. In last season’s road match against NYCFC United were forced to play with a patchwork defense of Luke Mishu, Bobby Boswell, Jalen Robinson, and Sean Franklin. NYCFC’s high powered offense made short work of their fragile line with David Villa and Frank Lampard each scoring. Steve Birnbaum will likely be tasked with containing Villa and keeping him having opportunities directly at goal.
The real key matchup for both sides will be Nick De Leon versus Alexander Ring. De Leon is still adjusting to the right-back position and although he has made progress NYCFC will be a major test for him. NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira likes to spread the field with Ring and Mazi Moralez going wide. De Leon certainly has the pace to keep up with Ring but if he gets caught going forward then NYCFC may have a golden opportunity on the counter-attack. United midfielder Marcelo Sarvas was often going back to assist De Leon during the Sporting Kansas City. While that certainly provides a stop-gap to any attacking effort in that sector it leaves United open in their defensive midfield. Despite being in his late 30’s Andrea Pirlo is still deadly when it comes to creating attacking chances and could play a critical role in the outcome of this match.
Attacking chances should also come in bunches for United on the other side of the pitch. The question is now can they finish. While Sarvas’ penalty kick miss grabbed the headlines after the Sporting match the club had multiple other opportunities to take the advantage. With Luciano Acosta likely still out with a knee injury Julian Buescher will likely once again take on the role of creating attacking chances. NYCFC’s center-back combination of Alexander Callens and Maxime Chanot had some communication issues last week which in part led to the goal by Cyle Larin. If Mullins can get in behind Callens and Chanot then D.C. may have their first-ever win at Yankee Stadium.
One player to keep an eye on is goalkeeper Sean Johnson. For years the M.O. with Johnson was that he could be one of the best goalkeepers in the league if he played with an actual defense. Although no one is comparing NYCFC to the German defense of the 1970s and 1980s this is a very good, highly organized side. Coach Patrick Vieira seems to have found a group of players that he trusts and can build around. The question is now can Johnson finally live up to his potential. Against a United side that score from multiple different angles and areas he has the chance to start proving the hype is real.
For United look for Lamar Neagle to play a critical role late. In last season’s 3-2 loss to NYCFC Neagle nearly stole the show scoring late to pull United level.
With two high-powered attacking teams Sunday could prove to be an explosive affair. Although temperatures are expected to be in the 20s the odds are low at this being a 0-0 draw. While an early goal may dictate the tempo of the match don’t be surprised if there are a few good chances let to change the tide. As last season proved when these two sides get together goals are bound to happen.
DC United
