Keys to the Match: Crown Duel
Published on April 25, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
New York City FC welcome Charlotte FC to the Bronx on Saturday.
The game at Yankee Stadium kicks off at 7:30PM ET.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford...
Crown Duel
New York City FC kicked off the campaign with a trip to North Carolina to take on Charlotte FC.
The two sides will meet again 63 days later at Yankee Stadium both teams locked on 11 points. Dean Smith has had more time to bed in with his new team, and that will mean Saturday's game is an interesting opportunity for both head coaches to evaluate their team.
Nick Cushing has been keen to stress the importance of the process when assessing how the group is performing. City enter Saturday's game in good form thanks to a pair of 2-0 wins against the New England Revolution and D.C. United.
That means the game against Charlotte should provide City another opportunity to check in and evaluate their progress as a group. The familiarity of the opponent should also be an advantage as they seek to make it three straight wins at home.
Wideman
Charlotte FC made a big statement of intent when they agreed to sign Celtic winger Liel Abada earlier this year for a club record fee of $8million.
The 22-year-old winger boasts Champions League experience on his resumé and wasted no time in making his mark in Charlotte by scoring against Toronto FC recently.
His speed and ability to dribble by defenders is an important part of Dean Smith's strategy, with the head coach eager to exploit transition opportunities when he can. The winger's first goal for Charlotte typified those qualities as he intercepted the ball before bursting by his defender and finishing.
City will need to watch the winger carefully as he will no doubt post a threat for Charlotte in the final third.
Repeat Performance
New York City FC have been able to produce strong back-to-back performances in recent weeks.
Those six points and two clean sheets have not only helped propel the team up the table but also reinforce the progress they have made as a group.
Momentum can be huge in soccer and a victory against Charlotte on Saturday, along with results elsewhere, could propel the team as high as fourth in the Eastern Conference. The power of home form has always been important in MLS, and if City can claim that third straight win they will be able to head out on the road full of confidence.
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