Keys to the Match: Midweek Meeting
July 2, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
New York City FC host CF Montréal on Wednesday.
Kickoff at Citi Field is set for 7:30PM ET.
Here are the Keys to the Match, Presented by Ford...
Busy
July is a busy month for New York City FC.
They kick things off on Wednesday against CF Montréal before a further five games in all competitions this month.
City have only one home game this month in MLS. After Montréal, they undertake four consecutive road games against Austin FC, Chicago Fire, Atlanta United, and Orlando City SC.
The Eastern Conference standings are starting to tighten up at the top and it's vital that City make the most of their remaining home games, starting with Wednesday's clash against Montréal.
City's home record has been strong this season, as evidenced by Friday's 4-2 win against Orlando City SC, and Nick Cushing will be keen to kick off the month with three points before his side embark on a busy schedule.
The Magic Number
CF Montréal Head Coach Laurent Courtois was appointed in January this year after a successful spell with Columbus Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.
The former Toulouse and West Ham United midfielder utilized both a back four and a back three in his previous role but has remained consistent in using three center-backs with Montréal.
That system can become a back five with wingbacks and it makes the control of the ball important, with City required to find the gaps in the final third and exploit them.
In attack, a lone forward is Courtois' preferred choice, with Josef Martínez returning to the fold following injury. The Venezuelan forward has three goals and three assists in ten games this season. His intelligence and finishing skills are an asset for Montréal and will mean City's backline needs to be switched on at all times.
Road Blues
CF Montréal started the 2024 season with six consecutive road games, winning two, drawing one, and losing three on their travels.
Compared to their road form of late it has been a slight struggle for Montréal. They have won just two of their last ten road games in MLS.
They have been able to record two draws in their last five on the road, but those three defeats have seen Montréal concede thirteen goals and score three.
Nick Cushing and his players won't be taking Montréal lightly, however, with the players and staff committed to a meticulous preparation process that has helped deliver some big results this season.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from July 2, 2024
- Inter Miami CF in Search of Extending Impressive Road Form this Wednesday at Charlotte FC - Inter Miami CF
- Match Preview: Atlanta United vs. New England Revolution - Atlanta United FC
- Minnesota United FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC Preview - Minnesota United FC
- Nashville SC Kicks off Three-Leg Road Trip with Visit to Columbus Crew - Nashville SC
- Match Preview: Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami CF - Charlotte FC
- Dean Smith Believes in Charlotte FC's 'Bouncebackability' - Charlotte FC
- Charlotte FC's Liel Abada Earns Call-Up to 2024 Paris Summer Olympics - Charlotte FC
- CF Montréal Visits New York City FC this Wednesday - Club de Foot Montreal
- Keys to the Match: Midweek Meeting - New York City FC
- Revolution Welcome Atlanta United FC for Midweek Battle - New England Revolution
- By the Numbers: FC Cincinnati at D.C. United - FC Cincinnati
- Sounders FC Academy Midfielder Etienne Veillard Named to 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game - Seattle Sounders FC
- Real Salt Lake Returns to Action at Home Wednesday v Houston Dynamo - Real Salt Lake
- Charlotte FC Academy's Jayson Quintanilla and Simon Tonidandel to Represent the Club in Columbus for Third Annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate - Charlotte FC
- New Age Categories for CF Montréal Men's Academy Teams - Club de Foot Montreal
- Chicago Fire Academy Midfielder Vitaliy Hlyut Named to MLS NEXT All-Star Team - Chicago Fire FC
- FC Cincinnati Looks to Continue Road Domination in Trip to Nation's Capital - FC Cincinnati
- Luciano Acosta Named Finalist for 2024 MLS All-Star Captain Fan Vote - FC Cincinnati
- Colorado Rapids Academy's Zackory Campagnolo and Miguel Alvarado Selected to 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game Roster - Colorado Rapids
- Damario McIntosh Selected to Represent Revolution at Third Annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game - New England Revolution
- Quakes Academy Players Tomo Allen, Rohan Rajagopal Named to MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate - San Jose Earthquakes
- Crew Academy Forward Chase Adams and Midfielder Tristan Brown Selected to MLS NEXT All-Star Game - Columbus Crew SC
- Timbers Academy Forward Max Eisenberg Named to 2024 MLS Next All-Star Game Roster - Portland Timbers
- Philadelphia Union Duo Named to 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate - Philadelphia Union
- Gavin Turner Selected to Third Annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate - D.C. United
- Three LA Galaxy Academy Players Named to Third Annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game, Presented by Allstate - LA Galaxy
- Nashville SC's U'17 Academy Defender Chris Applewhite Named to MLS NEXT All-Star Team - Nashville SC
- Félix Samson Selected for 2024 MLS Next All-Star Game - Club de Foot Montreal
- Real Salt Lake's Chicho Arango Named One of Four Possible Captains for 2024 MLS All-Stars - Real Salt Lake
- MNUFC Academy U17 Forward Darius Randell Selected to Play in 2024 MLS Next All-Star Game - Minnesota United FC
- Stefan Chirila Named to MLS NEXT All-Star Game Roster - FC Cincinnati
- Charlotte FC Expands Partnership with Rugs.com - Charlotte FC
- St. Louis CITY SC Signs German Midfielder Marcel Hartel as a Designated Player - St. Louis City SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
