New York City FC begin a two-game homestand on Friday when they battle Orlando City at Yankee Stadium to kick off matchday 23 of the 2024 Major League Soccer campaign.
A 1-0 defeat versus Nashville SC extended the Pigeons' losing run to three matches in MLS, while the Lions are unbeaten in their last two domestic affairs following a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Fire last weekend.
Match preview
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New York City's 2024 campaign has been streaky, full of highs and lows, and at the moment, things are on a downward trajectory for them.
On their recent two-game road trip, they failed to collect a single point or find the back of the net once, losing three matches in a row for the second time this season.
Nick Cushing's men will, however, feel good about their chances to return to winning ways, boasting a 100% record in the 2024 regular season at Yankee Stadium.
Despite their recent slide, NYCFC are still comfortably positioned in the Eastern Conference table, eight points above the playoff line in sixth.
Since suffering a 2-0 defeat versus Minnesota United in August 2023, New York have found the back of the net in 15 of their previous 16 MLS home contests.
The Boys in Blue have won their last three regular-season home games against the Lions, conceding only once over that span.
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Orlando City's 2024 domestic campaign began poorly, but they are slowly clawing back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Oscar Pareja's men claimed one point from their first four domestic encounters but have points in consecutive matches, putting them narrowly below the post-season line in 10th on goal difference.
The Lions have claimed 12 of their 21 points this season away from home, losing only one of their previous seven league fixtures as the visitors (1-0 versus the New York Red Bulls).
On five occasions this season, Orlando conceded the opening goal but found a way to earn a result, claiming nine points thanks to that resiliency.
They have conceded at least once in six consecutive domestic encounters, including a combined seven times in their last three fixtures.
It has been over seven years since they last came away with all three points at Yankee Stadium versus New York City FC, when a Cyle Larin brace powered them to a 2-1 victory in 2017.
Team News
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Maxi Moralez was in the opening lineup for NYCFC last weekend, his first start since rupturing his ACL against the Vancouver Whitecaps last September.
Moralez was one of four newcomers in their starting 11 against Nashville as he, Mitja Ilenic, Agustin Ojeda and Keaton Parks replaced Tayvon Gray, Andres Perea, Hannes Wolf and Malachi Jones.
Matt Freese has won two of his three career starts between the sticks versus Orlando City, including his only match as the New York City keeper last season (2-0).
Orlando City were without Michael Halliday last weekend because of a knee issue, Tahir Reid-Brown is dealing with a thigh injury and Ramiro Enrique sat out due to a personal matter.
First-choice goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is still on international duty with Peru at the Copa America, while David Brekalo will not be available this weekend after Slovenia advanced into the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Facundo Torres notched a brace against the Fire last Saturday, with their other goals coming courtesy of Luis Muriel and Ivan Angulo.
New York City FC possible starting lineup:
Freese; Gray, Martins, Risa, O'Toole; Sands, Parks; Rodriguez, Moralez, Wolf; Martinez
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Stajduhar; Thorhallsson, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos; Torres, Araujo, Lodeiro, M. Ojeda; McGuire, Muriel
We say: New York City FC 2-0 Orlando City
Moralez may soon be ready to play a full game, and his presence could make a massive difference for the Boys in Blue on Friday.
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