MLS New York City FC

Keys to the Match: Homecoming

March 8, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release


New York City Football Club make a welcome return to home soil this weekend against Inter Miami CF.

Nick Cushing's side face the Herons in our 2023 home opener, in a 7:30pm ET kick-off at Yankee Stadium.

Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford...

Back In N.Y.C

The wait is almost over... the Boys in Blue are coming home!

After two tough away trips to Nashville SC - our ninth successive road opener - and Chicago Fire, the City Boys are back at Yankee Stadium for the first time this year. Ready to ignite the new campaign, the squad will take inspiration from our impressive record of home openers, with six victories from eight.

Four months and 25 days will have passed since NYCFC last graced home turf (not that we're counting!) - a memorable 3-0 playoff triumph against... Inter Miami.

Much has changed for both sides since then of course, but Cushing and co. will certainly be hoping for a similar result, and a recreation of that incredible atmosphere the City faithful produced to spur the hosts on to a superb victory.

Tickets for the game are on sale - don't miss out - while fans are also invited to come together at our pre-match Home Opener Celebration between 5-7pm at Billy's Sports Bar in the Bronx, with a DJ, food and drinks, games and raffle prizes! Register here. The Boys are back in town!

Behind the Scenes | 19 Pass Goal and Beautiful Playoff Soccer

Team News

Saturday's visit to Chicago saw Cushing make three changes to the side that faced Nashville SC on opening day.

James Sands, Andres Jasson and Mitja Ilenič were named in the starting XI in place of Thiago Andrade, Justin Haak and the injured Tayvon Gray, while Alfredo Morales also missed out through injury.

Sands is sure to receive a hero's welcome at Yankee Stadium, alongside Santiago Rodríguez, who could be in contention for his first start as he plays catch-up in his comeback.

Head Coach Cushing will share a squad update on Thursday. Stay tuned to NYCFC.com and our official Twitter@NYCFC for updates.

Miami Match-Ups

As well as our strong home opener run, City will also be encouraged by our record against Inter Miami.

The Boys in Blue have won six of our seven meetings, including all three in New York and October's aforementioned encounter.

With at least two goals scored in five of the seven, it has proven a fruitful fixture in the past, but Cushing's side will be wary of Miami's fine start to 2023, with the Herons clinching two wins from two at home against CF Montréal and Philadelphia Union.

Phil Neville's side added plenty of experience to their ranks in the off-season, including Venezuelan forward Josef Martínez, who bagged six goals in nine appearances against City for former club Atlanta United.

NYCFC will be wary of the striker's threat for sure, as the home side chase a first win and clean sheet of the campaign.

Sign-up for MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app - and never miss a moment of the 2023 season. Stream every regular-season, playoff, and Leagues Cup match. Every Screen. No Blackouts.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 8, 2023


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