Red-hot NYCFC hosts the new and improved Colorado Rapids this Sunday at Citi Field as they look to extend their six-game unbeaten streak.
NYCFC has been on a roll over the past few weeks as the Eastern Conference side has rattled off three straight wins against New England Revolution, DC United and Charlotte FC. Nick Cushing’s team scored twice in each of the three wins and conceded just one goal, catapulting them into sixth place in the East with 14 points from ten games played.
The undefeated streak began when NYCFC beat Inter Miami to a 1-1 draw on March 30, before the Boys in Blue picked up another hard-fought point at home to Atlanta United a week later.
Cushing has some important decisions to make regarding his starting lineup, with players like Thiago Martins and Talles Magno expected to miss out due to injury, but that shouldn’t stop him from using his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
This is how the Boys in Blue could play on Sunday afternoon.
TW: Matt Freese – The underrated Freese continues to make progress in his first season as the team’s starting goalkeeper.
RB: Mitja Ilenic – The young Slovenian international was able to improve his season performance against Charlotte and hopes to continue this season against the Rapids.
CB: Strahinja Tanasijevic – With Thiago Martin’s status uncertain, Tanasijevic will have the chance to start his third game of the season in defense.
CB: Birk Risa – Risa barely put a foot wrong in his first full season in Major League Soccer.
LB: Kevin O’Toole – The former New York Red Bulls player is enjoying a quiet but solid season as a full-back for NYCFC.
DM: Keaton Parks – Parks will be eager to score again after scoring his first goal of the season last time out.
DM: James Sands – The 23-year-old works alongside Parks to ensure that everything stays under control in midfield.
RM: Julian Fernandez – The highly-rated youngster was one of the most exciting prospects for NYCFC in 2024.
AM: Santaigo Rodriguez – With four goals and two assists in ten appearances, he has established himself as one of the league’s top scorers.
LM: Agustin Ojeda – One of NYCFC’s new signings is still finding his way at his new club and has shown promise here and there.
ST: Monsef Bakrar – Bakrar will be hoping to open his 2024 account with a goal against the Rapids to give his side a chance to collect all three points.