New York City FC still winless in 2019
What’s going on in the Bronx? Saturday’s opponent is clearly in a transition phase: over the last twelve months, NYCFC saw head coach Patrick Vieira, as well as captain and talismanic striker David Villa, take the exit door, along with other important players, such as Norwegian Viking Jo Inge Berget, or the dynamo in midfield, Tommy McNamara, ironically with Houston now. It’s led to a dire start to the campaign for the Citizens, with three draws and a loss thus far, but even more worrisome is the lack of scoring: New York has scored just four goals in as many games, getting shut out twice.
The Impact knows what it needs to do. Bouncing back will be vital after a difficult defeat in Kansas City last weekend. The good news is that Harry Novillo will be available for this one, along with Zakaria Diallo, reinforcements that’ll help Rémi Garde’s squad. The bad news is that our magician Nacho will be once again absent, a team against whom the Impact has historically struggled. No matter, since there’s a new story to be written, this Saturday at 1pm (TVA Sports, 98.5, TSN 690). But before, we’ll explain where the Impact will need to bite to defeat the Big Apple representatives.
- Press intelligently
New York’s defenders have proven over the first four games of the season that they still don’t have the solution to limit giveaways in their own half. Opportunities to create turnovers will present themselves and it would be wise, on Montreal’s end, to detect and take advantage of them without opening up the midfield, since the hosts often begin their successful attacks with a quick transition game.
- Be wary of late runs in the box
Now aligned in a 4-1-4-1 formation, NYCFC has found success building play from the left, passing through its new Designated Player Alexandru Mitrita or Maxi Moralez, who have attempted a combined 25 crossed through four games. This system allows Alexander Ring to enter the box as a secondary wave of attack, where he can take advantage of the space between the defense and midfield lines; man-to-man coverage will be essential in Montreal’s 18-yard box.
- Play without fear
Psychologically, it would be wise to leave last week’s performance in the past and play to full capacity. This is the same Impact that won two away games up to now; we know of the technical qualities of our attacking players, we know of Rémi Garde’s game plan, we know of the engagement, determination and unity in this side. What’s important is to leave New York with no regrets.
