New York City FC could close the gap between them and conference leaders Toronto to just three points by the end of the weekend.
New York City FC will aim to earn back to back victories for just the second time this season as they conclude four consecutive away matches with a trip to MLS expansion side Atlanta United.
NYC’s 3-0 victory at Orlando saw them climb above the Florida side to claim third place in the Eastern Conference standings, albeit only on goal difference. Patrick Vieira’s men are currently five points ahead of ninth-place Atlanta, but have played a match more and will be in danger of falling behind their opponents should they take nothing back to Yankee Stadium.
However, a victory will place them just three points behind leaders Toronto FC should the Canadians fall to a defeat at home to Columbus on Friday.
NYCFC were excellent when they defeated Atlanta 3-1 at Yankee Stadium a few weeks back and midfielder Mikey Lopez aims to produce a similar performance this weekend.
“We’ve got to try and replicate the same performance as the one we showed them at home,” said Lopez. “They’ll have a lot of energy…we’ve got to match that and then hopefully our soccer will be better than theirs.”
The Boys in Blue have won three of their seven away matches so far this season, while Atlanta have picked up two wins at home since their MLS debut.
Home cooking back in New York #NYCFC
More photos from training: https://t.co/9SQhX1tZpl pic.twitter.com/0qxJVj26uR
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) May 25, 2017
Head-to-head in the ATL #NYCFC https://t.co/yvD98qXxpi
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) May 25, 2017
