Keys to the Match: Bring It Home
October 29, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
New York City are on the road this weekend as they take on Inter Miami.
Here's the Keys to the Match, presented by Tri-State Ford...
Build Up Momentum
It's no secret that NYCFC have had a tricky time on the road this season. Wins have, at times, been hard to come by and that's left the team needing to turn things around.
Inter Miami won't consider themselves out of the hunt for the playoffs, and as such they'll approach Saturday's game with an intensity and desire to take all three points. That desperation makes them a tough test for NYCFC, but one that presents clear benefits too.
If NYCFC can emerge victorious it will not only be three points, but also another example of this team going away from home and getting the job done. Ronny Deila and his players have their eyes set on MLS Cup success, and that will almost certainly mean going away from Yankee Stadium and performing on a big stage.
Saturday's game represents the kind of test awaiting the Boys in Blue in the postseason, and it's up to them to show they can deliver.
Systematic Changes
The last time NYCFC took on Inter Miami the two sides faced off in 4-3-3 formations. The key difference was that where Ronny Deila had Maxi Moralez in an advanced role, his counterpart Phil Neville had Brazilian midfielder Gregore operating as a number 6.
While this meant that Moralez and Gregore had their own fascinating duel for supremacy, things have somewhat changed for Neville tactically since then. Inter Miami have more often than not utilized a back three system of late, switching between five man and four man midfields. Last time out against Atlanta United they even changed things to represent a 5-4-1 formation.
That tactical flexibility is something Ronny Deila has consistently strived for with NYCFC, and it will pose a new challenge for him on Saturday. The Norwegian could easily seek to mirror his opponent, or maintain the 4-2-3-1 system that has been successful of late. Either way, don't be surprised if the two teams start in one system and finish in a totally different one.
Bring It Home
Although a playoff spot is not 100% guaranteed quite yet, it seems increasingly likely that the Boys in Blue will once again participate in the postseason.
Never content with just settling for qualification, the opportunity is now there for NYCFC to secure a place in the top four and with it a home tie in their first playoff game.
Given the team's record at Yankee Stadium this season it would be wise to aim for that to give NYCFC the best possible platform as they pursue MLS Cup.
Major League Soccer Stories from October 29, 2021
- MLS Issues Statement on Whitecaps Allegations - MLS
- Red Bulls Begin Their Final Homestand of the Season with CF Montréal on Saturday - New York Red Bulls
- Seattle Rallies Behind SEA 2026 with Shows of Civic Pride Ahead of Official FIFA Delegation Visit - Seattle Sounders FC
- Nashville SC Uses Determined Effort to Clinch Spot in Audi MLS Cup Playoffs - Nashville SC
- Rapids Looking for Season Sweep in Houston on Halloween - Colorado Rapids
- Robin Fraser, Ten Rapids Players Nominated to MLS End of the Year Awards - Colorado Rapids
- Inter Miami CF to Host New York City FC on Saturday - Inter Miami CF
- Sounders FC Fan Appreciation Day Returns to Lumen Field as Rave Green Host LA Galaxy in Regular-Season Home Finale this Monday - Seattle Sounders FC
- First-Place Sporting to Visit Minnesota on Sunday - Sporting Kansas City
- MLS Disciplinary Committee Decision Issued - MLS
- Injury Report: Four Miss Trip to Miami - New York City FC
- Atlanta hosts Toronto in 2021 Regular Season home finale - Atlanta United FC
- CF Montréal Visits the New York Red Bulls Saturday Afternoon - Club de Foot Montreal
- Zac MacMath Named Real Salt Lake's 2021 Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year - Real Salt Lake
- Inter MIami CF Midfielder Federico Higuaín to Retire at the End of 2021 Season - Inter Miami CF
- PHIvCIN: by the Numbers - FC Cincinnati
- Real Salt Lake Returns Home for Final Home Stand of 2021 Regular Stand - Real Salt Lake
- Keys to the Match: Bring It Home - New York City FC
- Subaru of America and Philadelphia Union Unveil Subaru Esports Hub - Philadelphia Union
- Charlotte FC Academy Player Shaves Head in Support of His Grandmother - Charlotte FC
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