Keys to the Match: Road Trip
Published on September 27, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
New York City Football Club are on the road this weekend as they take on Inter Miami CF.
The Boys in Blue return to action in a 7:30pm ET kick-off at DRV Pink Stadium.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford...
Road Trip
Saturday's game against Inter Miami represents the first of two big road games for NYCFC. The Herons are on the edge of the playoff picture, and a win at the weekend would put them just two points behind NYCFC.
Slightly further up the table is D.C. United. The Boys in Blue take on United next weekend at Audi Field with the Black-and-Red also chasing a playoff spot.
NYCFC have had a difficult season on the road in terms of results, with the group unlucky not to collect road wins on several occasions in the last few months. Now they have the opportunity to marry a positive performance and a positive result at DRV Pink Stadium on Saturday.
Timing is everything in soccer, and there is no better time to pick up two road wins than in the next two weeks.
Midweek Obligations
Inter Miami CF have a busy seven days on their calendar. First up for Tata Martino's men is a U.S. Open Cup Final against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday.
The game represents an opportunity for Miami to add a piece of silverware to their cabinet, and focus will understandably be on that game. Come the weekend, the game against NYCFC will be Miami's third in seven days.
NYCFC have seen firsthand the physical and mental demands that midweek outings can place on a group of players and staff. The Boys in Blue will be hopeful of taking advantage of that situation to record another win and stretch their unbeaten run to six games.
Tactical Battle
Tata Martino is no stranger to coaching in MLS.
The Argentinian spent a successful period with Atlanta United from January 2017 until December 2018.
One of the interesting habits Martino displayed during that time was a willingness to be tactically flexible. With Miami, Martino has typically utilized a 4-3-3 system, but he has not been afraid to implement a back three or a back five formation when he feels the moment is right.
That makes Miami a difficult team to predict. NYCFC possesses the same shape-shifting ability, and when you combine those two factors, it should make for an enthralling tactical battle.
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.
Major League Soccer Stories from September 27, 2023
- Inter Miami CF Falls Just Short Against Houston Dynamo in U.S. Open Cup Final at DRV PNK Stadium - Inter Miami CF
- 'Caps Wrap-up Seven Straight Road Games With 3W-2L-2D Record - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Houston Dynamo FC Win Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Houston Dynamo FC
- FC Dallas Earns Hard-Fought Road Point with 1-1 Draw in Philadelphia - FC Dallas
- Union Unbeaten in Last Five MLS Matches - Philadelphia Union
- National Soccer Hall of Fame Announces Final Ballots for Election to 2024 Class - FC Dallas
- Independent Review Panel Decision Issued on Johnny Russell - MLS
- FC Cincinnati Clinch Spot in 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup - FC Cincinnati
- Inter Miami CF and Oak View Group Announce Premium Hospitality Additions at DRV PNK Stadium Ahead of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final and 2023 MLS Cup Playoff Push - Inter Miami CF
- CS Lanaudière-Nord Joins CF Montréal's Scouting and Development Centre - Club de Foot Montreal
- Crew Season Ticket Members Receive First Access to 2023 Playoff Tickets Today - Columbus Crew SC
- Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC Preview - Colorado Rapids
- Keys to the Match: Road Trip - New York City FC
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.
