On Sunday, D.C. United host their final home match of the regular season against New York City FC. A win would allow the Black-and-Red to clinch their spot in the playoffs, but anything can happen down the stretch of the MLS regular season. Here is everything you need to know about D.C. United’s visitors this weekend.
Recent Matches
New York City FC are 1-2-2 in their last five matches, with their lone win coming at home over the Chicago Fire. Their offense has only been shut out twice in their last ten matches, but their games tend to be low-scoring. David Villa leads the team in goals this season with 12, followed closely by Ismael Tajouri-Shradi with 11.
On the defensive side, New York City have garnered just one shutout in their last ten matches, allowing an average of 1.4 goals per game. However, the team started the season hot on defense, and have accrued fifteen shutouts, including ten by starting goalkeeper Sean Johnson, on the year. The visitors haven’t played a match since September 29, meaning they should be well-rested but also run the risk of having lost a bit of their in-season momentum.
Head-to-Head
United traveled to Yankee Stadium to face NYCFC in September and drew 1-1 in a wet, gritty game. The match saw goals from Steven Birnbaum, who scored with a header off a set piece, and David Villa, who equalized late in the match from a free kick.
Playoff Implications
New York City FC currently sit in the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference standings and have clinched a playoff spot, but are trying to avoid moving from the third-place slot to a lower spot before the end of the regular season. The Black-and-Red can clinch a playoff spot with a win over New York City or if the Montreal Impact lose to Toronto FC, meaning the stakes will be plenty high in their last regular season home game.
