A solid attacking team in NYCFC will go up against a solid defensive Earthquakes team Saturday.
NYCFC will be hosting their third straight home match against the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday. Both teams have gotten decent results to start the season. San Jose won two out of their three matches and currently sit in 4th place in the Western Conference. NYCFC has had a different result in each of their first three matches coming away with a loss, win, and then draw. They currently sit 6th in the Eastern Conference standings. Below are a couple of things to watch for in the match.
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David Villa vs the Earthquakes defenders
It’s no secret that David Villa is NYCFC’s best attacker and one of the best strikers in the league. San Jose’s most consistent unit has always been their defense so this match-up is very intriguing. This match-up could decide the outcome of the game because with the Earthquake’s attack seeming unreliable at times, it’ll be up to the Earthquakes’ defenders to keep the match close.
Villa is a playmaker, sometimes you’ll find him on the outside looking to create or you’ll find him in the inside where his movement is dangerous and he can pick his spot at any time. Victor Bernardez is usually the guy to keep the Earthquakes back-line in check but he might struggle to keep up with a player like Villa so expect Florian Jungwirth to be involved a lot in the defense.
Can the Earthquakes’ forwards get something going?
In the three matches San Jose has played thus far they’ve scored five goals. Only one of them has come from a forward. Of course it is early but given the forwards’ poor play last season it is concerning to see that they still haven’t gotten much production up top. The midfielders and defenders can’t be the ones who have to do the scoring. The attacking side of the squad needs to step up this match or else the Earthquakes will struggle.
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How to Watch
Kickoff – 2pm EST (11am PST)
Channel- CSNBA, YES Network