D.C. United is headed to New York, and for the first time, will be the only team in red. New York City FC has endured ups and downs in their debut season in MLS, from making headlines when signing Andrea Pirlo to outscoring fellow league debutants Orlando City 5-3 at Yankee Stadium. Now they welcome the Black-and-Red, who are on a three-game winning streak and gaining momentum atop the East. Here are some of the storylines going into Thursday night's match.
First Time for Everything
Yes, it's the first time these two teams are playing each other. It's also the first time in league play since May 10 that NYCFC have lost back-to-back games. D.C. United on the other hand, became the first team in MLS history to win a game with only one shot on target for the whole game, and that three-game win streak is their longest of the year so far.
Midfield Battle
Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo, Mix Diskerud. The names in New York City's midfield are who everyone will be watching, but keep your eye on Perry Kitchen and Davy Arnaud. The two Black-and-Red midfielders will be tasked with clogging passing lanes and disrupting the play of those on the other side of the ball. Elsewhere, Tommy McNamara and Andrew Jacobsen will have to try and stop Chris Rolfe and Nick DeLeon from cutting inside, because we know what happens when they're allowed to do that!
Depth is Key
In Saturday's game against Montreal, United played with its 23rd different starting lineup in 25 games. In a league headlined with Designated Player signings left and right, the Black-and-Red are proving that depth and strength of the whole squad is just as, if not more important.
Thursday's game is available via live stream on the websiteas well as MLS Live (subscription needed). Be sure to follow along on all social media platforms!
