(August 20, 2016) – When the Los Angeles Galaxy and New York City FC clash horns on Saturday at Yankee Stadium it will a chance for NYC to show that they are deserving leaders of the Eastern Conference.
Much on the line for New York City FC vs LA Galaxy Battle at Yankee Stadium
Inconsistent
New York may be leading the conference but their form has been as inconsistent as Ryan Lochte’s late night tales. David Villa’s side has only won ten of 25 games this season. With more wins away from Yankee Stadium. They struggle to play their expansive style of play on their much maligned home field. For each 5-0 win there’s a 7-1 loss, consistency has been missing.
The last game against Columbus Crew was no exception. A 3-3 draw away, a result thrown away by some of the worst defending imaginable. Justin Meram could of brought the ball down with some keepy ups he had so much space for the Crew’s first goal. Frédéric Brillant’s slide on Ethan Finlay was as ill timed as it was ill advised. The less said about the statue-esque defense for Ola Kamara’s late equaliser the better for NYC.
Opportunity
This game against LA Galaxy presents Patrick Viera and New York City F.C with the opportunity to show their fans they can play at home and get a significant result. LA Galaxy will likely have Robbie Keane back in the squad. They will also have a focused Steven Gerrard ready to battle his old nemesis; the nine goals in 10 games Frank Lampard. NYC need to find consistency infront of their home fans. It is imperative if they wish to progress in the MLS Play-Offs. Only five points separate them from the fifth seed in the conference. With such abject home form it would be a tough ask for this aging side to navigate the long route to the MLS Cup Final.
If they get the result against the Galaxy on Saturday it will give them a much needed boost in the final stage of conference play. On the other side, a loss may set them down a bad path towards mid-table obscurity in the Eastern Conference.
A must watch?
The MLS will be hoping that this meeting of big market sides becomes a must watch fixture of upcoming seasons. This is the opportunity NYC may have just been waiting for. It is a chance to cement their position as a favourite to reach the 2016 MLS Cup Final. A victory against the 5 time MLS champions will give NYC status as a premier franchise in the MLS.
But as we know with NYC, nothing comes easy at Yankee Stadium.
