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New York City FC vs. DC United: Preview and How To Watch

By John Jankosky

Mar 5, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo (21) runs down field during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Orlando City FC at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo (21) runs down field during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Orlando City FC at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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This Sunday, New York City FC hosts DC United in its home opener at Yankee stadium. We preview the game, including details on how to watch.

New York City FC put together a fantastic second season last year and made moves in the off-season to bolster its defense. However, the club had an unspectacular opening game visiting Orlando with a loss. In the second week of MLS matches, NYCFC hopes for a better result against a middling DC United which appears to be struggling without its star attacking midfielder.

Who to watch from NYCFC

NYCFC has some serious star power on it’s roster, with both legendary Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Spanish striker David Villa. While both have had a positive impact in MLS, other notable players to keep an eye on include American goalkeeper Sean Johnson and young English winger Jack Harrison.

This is a team containing fantastic veterans and high upside youth, with a strategic and forward thinking coach in Patrick Vieira, once thought to be a potential future coach for EPL powerhouse Manchester City.

Mar 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United forward Patrick Nyarko (12) gathers the ball against the Sporting Kansas City during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United forward Patrick Nyarko (12) gathers the ball against the Sporting Kansas City during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Who to watch from DC United

DC United is likely to struggle with the loss of Luciano Acosta, but striker Patrick Mullins will want to work hard to make a positive impact against his old club. USMNT players in goalkeeper Bill Hamid and defender Steve Birnbaum will likely put forward great performances.

Wingers Lloyd Sam and Patrick Nyarko will be key to DC’s fortunes this weekend, as they push to show that they deserve to hold their starting spots.

Prediction

This is a strong New York side which is looking to make an impression at home early in the season. DC United may have some depth, but none of its attacking players have had an extraordinary performance to lock down a starting spot to last into the summer

Opening week jitters should be played out at this point. A hard fought game between the two teams is likely to end with NYCFC on top, 1-0 with DCU unable to control the midfield with the loss of Acosta.

Next: Matchday 2 Predictions

Where to watch

Kickoff: 2pm EST

You can catch the match in the DC area on ABC7. While the New York market will get the game on the YES network (also in some national cable packages). As always you can see every league game via MLS LIVE. Finally, you can listen to the match on either of the club’s websites:

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