Keys to the Match: Starting out
July 19, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
New York City Football Club kick off their Leagues Cup schedule against Atlas F.C. on Sunday.
Here are the Keys to the Match...
Starting Out
Even though the Leagues Cup tournament begins in July, Atlas are only just beginning their season in Liga MX.
Loz Zorros played their last league game on the 13th - a goalless draw against Santos Laguna - and will take on Sporting Gijon in a friendly on Wednesday before facing NYCFC on Sunday.
By contrast, NYCFC are well into the MLS season, with two-thirds of the campaign already complete. That momentum could work to their advantage at Citi Field as they look to catch their opponents with an early goal to put them on the back foot.
Home Advantage
Regardless of where NYCFC play, the fans bring the noise.
That atmosphere only heightens when the Boys in Blue are on home soil, and it's one of the team's significant advantages going into Sunday's game. Previous outings at Citi Field have produced some memorable moments in the Club's history - least of all the playoff game with Inter Miami CF in 2022.
The chance to make more amazing memories presents itself on Sunday, and by emphasizing the fact this is a home game, it gives a competitive advantage to Nick Cushing and his players. That could be all that is needed to tip the scale and help the team start things off with a victory.
Fresh Perspective
There is no denying that the last few months in MLS have provided NYCFC with a cascade of different emotions.
The team has emerged through a difficult period and stuck together as they seek to secure a playoff spot, and while it hasn't always given them the results they deserved, they cannot take a break from league play to focus on this new competition.
The opportunity to secure a new piece of silverware is all the motivation the group needs to attack Leagues Cup with enthusiasm. After that, they can return to MLS action and aim to finish above the line and secure a spot in the post-season.
The Leagues Cup has come at the right time for NYCFC, as sometimes a change is as good as a rest.
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 July 19, 2023
- Arsenal F.C. Defeats MLS All-Stars in the 2023 MLS All-Star Game - MLS
- MATCH Preview: Inter Miami CF Set to Host Cruz Azul in Leagues Cup Action this Friday - Inter Miami CF
- Inter Miami CF Signs Paraguayan International Diego Gómez - Inter Miami CF
- LA Galaxy Announce Leagues Cup 2023 Roster - LA Galaxy
- Timbers Announce Leagues Cup 2023 Roster - Portland Timbers
- Charlotte FC Midfielder Nuno Santos Joins Vitória S.C. - Charlotte FC
- West Defeats East, 2-2 (5-4), in Penalty Kicks in Second-Annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate - MLS
- Calvin Harris' Season of Growing Confidence Adds Depth to Rapids' Attack - Colorado Rapids
- Keys to the Match: Starting out - New York City FC
- Leagues Cup Publishes Official MLS and LIGA MX Club Rosters for Inaugural 2023 Competition to Begin this Friday, July 21 - D.C. United
- Midfielder Júnior Urso Returns to Orlando City SC Through End of 2023 Season - Orlando City SC
- Charlotte FC Unified Athlete and Partner Earn 2023 All-Star Honors - Charlotte FC
- Eliminating 'Chaotic Moments' a Key Takeaway to Build on from Victory over Nashville SC: Notebook - FC Cincinnati
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.
