On Saturday, FC Dallas head north to take on NYCFC at Yankee Stadium at 7 PM EST. This match could have huge supporters shield implications. FC Dallas currently are a top the Western Conference and Supporters Shield with 51 points, while NYCFC are third in the eastern conference with 44 points.
Three players who could impact in NYCFC vs. FC Dallas
Kellyn Acosta
FC Dallas has the best academy program in MLS. Their academy has churned out talent, one of the jewels being Kellyn Acosta. Acosta is one of the best defensive midfielders in the league, despite what Jurgen Klinsmann believes. If FC Dallas want to shut down NYCFC’s dangerous offense, Acosta will have to be at his best.
David Villa
David Villa was subbed off in the 63rd minute last game, versus the New England Revolution. No one knows why he was subbed off. It could just be that Patrick Vieira could want to rest him, or Vieira was disappointed in his performance. Regardless of the reason he was subbed off, Villa needs to play well in order to lead the NYCFC side to victory.
Andoni Iraola
Last game, Vieira opted to rest Andoni Iraola and instead give Federico Bravo a run out at defensive midfielder. Bravo received a red card that match, so he is ineligible to play. Iraola will have to shield a leaky back line that will be without one of its better defenders, Maxime Chanot. He will also have to provide that link between the attack and defense.
When NYCFC are attacking
NYCFC need to get the ball to David Villa. Villa has been deprived of good service, but also hasn’t been as clinical with the limited chances he gets. In order for NYCFC attack to get going, they need to have good service into the box.
When FC Dallas are attacking
FC Dallas need to take advantage of the weak NYCFC back line. They need to make sure they get runs that split the center backs and play long balls over the top. Maximiliano Urruti will be the key to that strategy as he is the center forward for FC Dallas. If Urruti can successfully make those runs, NYCFC will have a lot of problems.
