It’s Matchday 9, and New York City FC play FC Dallas in the World’s Borough of Queens: Here is your NYCFC vs Dallas game preview.
TRANSIT ALERT: The No 7 train is not running in Manhattan on Saturday, April 22 — all No 7 trains terminate at Queensboro Plaza
LIRR trains run direct to Mets-Willets Point from Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal on the Port Washington Line
NYCFC are hungry for a win. NYCFC are undefeated at home this season, and the points earned in Queens and the Bronx are the reason why they’re in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. New York City start a four-game road trip next week, and will want to grab three points before leaving town.
Dallas will try to play the spoiler. Dallas are in fourth place in the Western Conference. Even if some of their results feel lucky they logged two straight wins, including one in Miami Fort Lauderdale on Matchday 7.
NYCFC vs FC Dallas H2H
| GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 10 | +2 |
Last year, the NYCFC vs Dallas matchup was a tactical masterclass by then-interim head coach Nick Cushing: New York City silenced a red-hot Jesús Ferreria on a sweltering night in Texas to earn a gritty road win.
That game pitched the head-to-head record between these two clubs oh-so-slightly in New York City’s favor: The two teams are evenly matched over the years.
But recent history is on NYCFC’s side. Dallas registered their one and only win over NYCFC way, way, way back in 2015, when bellbottoms were in fashion and Jason Kreis was head coach.
- Matchday 9: NYCFC vs FC Dallas
- Date and Time: Saturday, April 22, 7:30 pm ET
- Kickoff Time: 7:39 pm ET
- Venue: Citi Field
- Bruce Arena Forecast: gusty, possible showers, 59˚F/15˚C
- Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (free)
Broadcast Team: Tyler Terens (former play-by-play announcer for Chicago Fire), and Devon Kerr (former analyst for the USL Championship and NCAA College Cup) - Listen: English and Spanish broadcasts on NYCFC Radio
- Officiating Crew: Fotis Bazakos (referee), Lyes Arfa and Gianni Facchini (assistant referees), Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho (fourth official), Younes Marrakchi (VAR), Jeff Muschik (assistant VAR)
NYCFC availability: Matías Pellegrini is back in the squad after serving a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation. James Sands put in a 90-minute shift for the USMNT on Wednesday after playing the full 90 minutes for NYCFC in the 2-1 win over Nashville SC last Saturday — don’t be surprised if he’s rested vs. Dallas.
If Sands is rested, we return to the same question we posed last week when we thought the Guy from Rye would sit out the Nashville game with an injury: Who do you play as defensive midfielder? Alfredo Morales? He has yet to play a full 90-minute game this season. Or Justin Haak? He last started in the not-great season opener for NYCFC, but has since put in a strong performance for NYCFC II.
Going to the game? You’ll want to read the Hudson River Blue dining guide to Citi Field.
You’ll also want to be aware of a service change along the 7 subway line that’s in place for NYCFC-Dalls match day. The 7 train is not running at all in Manhattan, which means you’ll need to transfer at Queens Plaza.
Watching from home? This is the first NYCFC game called by Tyler Terens (former play-by-play announcer for Chicago Fire), and Devon Kerr (former analyst for the USL Championship and NCAA College Cup) on MLS Season Pass.
It’s Parley Kit week. The smart money is on NYCFC in light green, Dallas in dark blue.
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Dallas availability: Dallas could be without two Designated Players. Right-winger Paul Arriola was a late scratch for the USMNT vs Mexico friendly on Wednesday and is questionable for this game, and Alan Velasco is recovering from a knee injury. Both players are considered “game-day decisions” by Dallas coach Nico Estévez.
That was our most complete performance of the year so far. Really solid. We’re on a great path.