Photo Credit: Lyndsay Radnedge /Center Line Soccer
New York City FC versus San Jose Earthquakes
New York City is the hottest team in MLS right now with three wins, one draw and no losses in 2018. Saturday they will be put to the test by a strong San Jose squad that is has scored five goals in just two games. The match should be full of scoring opportunities especially with David Villa expected to be back in the line up for NYCFC.
With Villa back, NYCFC are one of the most potent offenses in MLS. They have shown that the don’t need the Spaniard to score goals notching at least two in each game Villa was injured but adding one of the most productive goal scorers back in to the mix can only help their dangerous attack. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi picked up the goal-scoring mantle from Villa scoring three times in just two games. With the potent mix of Shradi, Jesus Medina and Villa up front, San Jose’s back line will have all they can handle. the big question for City is how to replace Alexander Ring who is out with a strained ACL. Ebenezer Ofori looked lost the first twenty minutes against the Revolution last weekend but stabilized and found his role in the second half. Ofori likely starts again on Saturday and if he can continue progressing in finding his role on the team NYCFC will be solid if not great at the spot. After New England’s success with the high press last week Mikael Stahre will likely line up San Jose to play in a similar fashion. He has the talent and discipline on his team to give City trouble.
Unlike years in the past San Jose have a set of true midfielder stars in Vako and Danny Hoesen. The Georgian international, Vako, has already scored two goals in just two games this year and is off to a great start. Not to be outdone, Hoesen, from the Netherlands, has also netted twice in two games. Combined with Chris Wondolowski’s ability to make runs and poach goals, the midfield duo make San Jose dangerous indeed. Wondolowski is closing in on Landon Donovan’s all time scoring record in MLS and will try to add to that tally on Saturday. Maxime Chanot and Alexander Callens will have work to do on Saturday to keep San Jose contained, but, as much as San Jose can score goals, they also concede them at an alarming rate. San Jose has scored five times in two games but they have also given up five goals in that same span. Minnesota and Kansas City do not have the potent attach of NYCFC and City will look to capitalize on San Jose’s porous defense. Look for City to press high and launch quickly on counter attacks to catch San Jose on their heels.
It should be a fun high paced contest with lots of goal scoring opportunities for both sides. If City can hold their shape in the midfield and break their “build out of the back” philosophy to play direct when needed they should prevail even on the road. San Jose is very good at home and will look to cause problems all night for the boys in blue. A three to two score line favoring either side is not out of the question. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 8 PM and should be a very entertaining match up regardless of who you root for.
NYCFC
San Jose Earthquakes
