A big win at Citi Field in Game 2 of Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs means that New York City FC now has a decisive Game 3 to look forward to in its series with FC Cincinnati.
This episode of the Hudson River Blue Podcast takes a look back at NYCFC's first playoff win of 2024 while preparing for what comes next, namely, yet another do-or-die postseason game, this one on the road.
Hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan highlight what went right during NYCFC's 3-1 win to even their best-of-three series, with a lot of discussion about the club's numerous standouts in defense, specifically Mitja Ilenič and Justin Haak. Will they both start again in must-win Game 3?
Episode 11 then shifts focus to that upcoming massive Game 3 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, a place where NYCFC has lost five straight matches, but will need to win to extend their season.
Our hosts think all the pressure is on the home team heading into Game 3, with Cincinnati the favorites and potentially dreaming of a path to a first MLS Cup appearance. While they're looking to make a run, the show also acknowledges that NYCFC has, historically, thrived when cast in the underdog role during the MLS Cup Playoffs. The records and recent history make New York City underdogs in Game 3, but that might be exactly where the team wants to be.
This episode wraps up with an eye on what might be next if NYCFC can pull out a win in Cincinnati and advance: Hosting a first-ever playoff meeting with the rival New York Red Bulls.
How much of an extra motivator will it be for NYCFC to know that a win books them a home game against the Red Bulls for a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference Final?
That and more gets covered in Episode 10 of the Hudson River Blue Podcast, which you'll find right here in this post, or over on Bleav, Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever else you get your podcasts.
