A week after grabbing just a point against one of the Eastern Conference’s poorer teams, New York City FC will look to bounce back and show some attacking knowhow against divisional heavyweight D.C. United on Sunday afternoon (3 p.m., YES) at Yankee Stadium.

Questions still linger over how NYCFC can operate without a natural forward, as the gaping hole in attack was evident in their 2-2 draw against Orlando City SC last week. NYCFC somehow scratched together a point despite being heavily outplayed in an unfamiliar counterattacking style. Coach Domenec Torrent, who stressed consistency all preseason, displayed a new defensive-heavy 5-3-2 formation, and it didn’t work the way it was designed.

NYCFC grabbed goals from defensive midfielders Ebenezer Ofori and captain Alexander Ring but once again looked miffed in advanced positions — aside from new attacking midfielder Alexandru Mitrita, who sparkled in his debut.

Part of NYCFC’s inability to threaten offensively relies on its inability to find a striker. Torrent said the club was interested in former LA Galaxy striker Ola Kamara until he was shipped to China. It has become increasingly likely that NYCFC might wait until the summer to add a striker because waiting will give them some flexibility on acquiring talent and possibly moving players.

“The feeling this week is much, much better this week than it was last week,” Torrent told the team’s website. “I think everyone is ready to play against D.C.”

D.C. United beat reigning MLS champions Atlanta United, 2-0, last Sunday and has flourished between the partnership of Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta. NYCFC remain undefeated in its four previous home openers.

Sezione: News / Data: Sun 10 March 2019 alle 19:30 / Source: New York Post
Autore: Stefano Bentivogli
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