NYCFC play host to San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer midweek action Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.
The Boys in Blue have been on an absolute tear in recent weeks as they picked up their fourth-straight MLS victory with the most recent triumph against New England Revolution. In the bigger picture, NYCFC have managed seven wins from their last eight league matches played under the guidance of head coach Nick Cushing.
While many fans may have been calling for Cushing to get the axe early on in the campaign, there probably aren’t many clamoring for him to lose his job now after his incredible turnaround at the club. The team seems to be firing on all cylinders, and they’ll want to keep the momentum going at home against a struggling San Jose side.
Here’s how NYCFC could lineup against the Earthquakes.
GK: Matt Freese – Freese continues to improve with each passing week in goal for the Blues.
RB: Tayvon Gray – The Jamaica international has recorded one assist in each of his last two matches as he keeps his place in the XI.
CB: Thiago Martins – NYCFC’s best defender leads the backline into action once again. He’s been vital to their recent positive run of form.
CB: Birk Risa – Risa partners Martins in central defense after playing 90 minutes over the weekend.
LB: Kevin O’Toole – He remains the only true left-back in the squad and is set to start 15th match of the season.
DM: James Sands – Sands returns to the mix after sitting out vs New England due to yellow card accumulation.
DM: Keaton Parks – He managed to score the lone decisive goal in his side’s narrow victory over the Revs.
RM: Hannes Wolf – Even though the Austrian didn’t find the back of the net in his last outing, he remains a constant threat down the right-hand side against any defense.
AM: Santiago Rodriguez – NYCFC’s creative outlet will have to be on point for the Boys in Blue to continue their impressive run.
LM: Agustin Ojeda – After playing just 60 minutes last time out, the young winger gets another chance from the jump Wednesday night.
ST: Monsef Bakrar – He was taken off against the Revs with 30 minutes remaining in normal time, so you can expect the Algeria International to get the nod up front again.
