0-7.
New York City FC fans have to hate the number seven. The New York Red Bulls scored that many goal on them in the embarrassing last derby game at Yankee Stadium. The number also holds significance in another context. If NYCFC lose Sunday, then they will hold an 0-7 record against New York based teams.
NYCFC Trying To Avoid Unlucky #7 In NY Derby
Four losses to the Red Bulls and two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup losses to the New York Cosmos must make fans think they are lucky not to have crossed paths with the Rochester Rhinos. However, hope exists. The past two games have seen NYCFC finding their form. The inclusion of Jack Harrison and Frank Lampard into the lineup have paid dividends. The young draft pick has added pace and creativity to a front line including Tommy MacNamara and David Villa. Lampard has added an offensive spark and crisp passing to the midfield.
Before the “Red Bull Wedding” at Yankee stadium, NYCFC had just completed a grueling road trip of 3 games in 10 days. Wins against D.C. United and the Portland Timbers and a draw against Toronto FC seemed to leave them tired, exposed, and open to the high press of the Red Bulls. Frank Lampard recently said, “We are not 7 goals worse than them.” In fact, they currently occupy the second place in the East one point ahead of Red Bulls.
This time the tables have turned a bit. The Red Bulls, coming off a tough road loss to the Philadelphia Union in the Open Cup, will have a tougher test. The East-leading Union pushed Jessie Marsch and his players in a tough game on Wednesday night. The game saw tempers flare and Marsch ejected. Now the Red Bulls must re-group and respond with limited rest. NYCFC will have enjoyed 8 days of rest.
All being said, NYCFC has no excuse to perform badly on Sunday. They may lose, but anything less than a tough battle between two good foes means a disappointment for fans. It will also determine if the number 7 is lucky or unlucky for NYCFC.
