Our opposition research continues on for another week as we get a look at FC Dallas' next opponent, NYCFC.
This week we got together with another former SB Nation blog, Hudson River Blue, to discuss what NYCFC brings to Friday night's game. Matthew Mangam helped pitch in this week for HRB. Be sure to give HRB a follow on BlueSky.
Injury report
Keaton Parks. The veteran midfielder is dealing with a foot injury that's bothered him a good amount of this season. In just his small playing time this season, his impact was felt. He notched two assists in 45 minutes against Nashville but also helps defensively and wins aerial duels. His absence is hurting NYCFC currently and it's seen in the midfield.
Recent Form
Hot and cold. NYCFC just notched its second away win of the season in a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Orlando City, but then settled for a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City after leading for a good part of the game. At home, NYCFC is one of the best teams in MLS — it's the away form that is holding them back from sitting higher up in the Eastern Conference.
Projected Starting Lineup/Formation
4-3-3: Matt Freese; Kevin O'Toole, Justin Haak, Thiago Martins, Mitja Ilenič; Andres Perea, Maxi Moralez, Aiden O'Neill; Hannes Wolf, Alonso Martínez, Julián Fernández
NYCFC's newest DP signing from Elche — Nicolás Fernández — could start in place of one of the midfielders or wingers since the window opens on July 24, but I'm not sure if he will travel with the team to Dallas. This may be updated if they post a picture of him traveling this week.
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Key players to watch out for
Hannes Wolf is coming off a muscle tear, but he's in good form and is tied with Alonso Martínez for a team-leading nine goals. I would also say Martínez, but the Costa Rican striker hasn't been himself — for the most part — since returning from the Gold Cup, possibly because he's fatigued. He did score the game-winner over Orlando last week, which is a promising sign that he's still El Clínico.
One thing St. Louis does better than anyone else in MLS
Good question. Not sure if this counts as an answer but Matt Freese makes saves to keep NYCFC in games better than any other team's goalkeeper. His 73.9% save percentage is the fourth-highest in the league, and he's the reason NYCFC has one of the best defenses in MLS, conceding 26 goals in 23 games.
