Photo Credit Don MacGregor
It’s the second meeting of the season between the Fire and NYCFC. Once again, both have identical records, the only difference being that NYCFC have scored a couple more goals.
The Fire are unbeaten in their last three matches and have not been scored upon in the last 266 minutes of play. A sharp contrast against after shipping four against NYCFC in the home opener. The central defensive pairing of Jonathan Campbell and Johan Kappelhof has produced instant dividends. David Accam is still out with a knee sprain.
NYCFC is coming off a 1-1 draw two weeks ago against New England. Frank Lampard is again out of action for the hosts with a calf strain. However, it was Mix Diskeud, Tommy McNamara, and Khiry Shelton that gave the Fire problems last time out. And that’s in addition to David Villa and Andrea Pirlo expected in the lineup.
Photo Credit: Don MacGregor/Windy City Soccer
Of course, there is the long road winless streak for the Fire (0-20-7) in all competitions. They are one away from tying the league record. The Fire defended well against Philadelphia (three posts by the Union not withstanding), but will need to do so again and keep better possession of the ball unlike last time. NYCFC have had the vast majority of possession in each of their four matches so far.
Kickoff for the match is at 6pm CT on Fox Sports 1.
REFEREE: Mark Geiger; SAR (bench): Corey Parker; JAR (opposite): Matthew Nelson; 4th: Mark Kadlecik
INJURY REPORT:
NEW YORK CITY FC — OUT: M-Jack Harrison (hip injury), D-Connor Brandt (core muscle repair), M-Frank Lampard (L gastrocnemius inflammation)
CHICAGO FIRE — OUT: M-David Accam (knee sprain), G-Sean Johnson (R wrist sprain)
THIS YEAR:
03/06/16: CHI 3-4 NYC (Cocis 19; Igboananike 49; Accam 72 – McNamara 10; Taylor 29; Shelton 36; Diskerud 63)
