Villa scored his first MLS goal in NYC FC’s 2-0 win against the New England Revolution, last Sunday. Photo/ Kristian Cardillo
Richard Fleming: Marking Villa is a tall order for 6′ 7″ Rapids rookie Axel Sjöberg
Preview: NYCFC looks to continue form against Rapids
by Stephanie Lovelle, New York
NYC FC will look to build off of their first home victory when they take on the Colorado Rapids for the first and only time this season on Saturday, March 21 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with four points along with Orlando City, NYC FC’s premier objective will be to continue with their persistence in attack as established against the New England Revolution.
Still a work in progress, the NYC FC side that played against the Revolution proved to be more efficient than the side against Orlando on opening week. As much as putting on a good show at their home opener was priority for head coach Jason Kreis and NYC FC, winning was the main objective and they did not fail to so it in brilliant fashion.
The Revolution controlled much of the first half, despite going down to a David Villa goal in the 19th minute, and looked poised to tie, and even come away with three points, provided their numerous chances. The scoreline could have very well been described as a series of missteps for the Revolution but NYCFC’s Josh Saunders was the outstanding factor.
With two matches tallied for NYC FC, goalkeeper Josh Saunders has exuded confidence and reliability in goal on both occasions. The Rapids have only managed two attempts at goal this season, with neither on target in their sole match played against Philadelphia Union in the opening week. The natural upside is that they haven’t conceded but their trouble finding the back of the net will not be made any easier with Saunders in great form.
The Rapids will also want to be weary of Khiry Shelton’s ability to transform the match. Kreis has opted to bring Shelton on as a second half substitute in both of their matches and the 19-year-old forward has not disappointed.
He’s shown an outstanding ability to tilt the game in NYCFC’s favor with immediate impact. Having shown keen vision and pace, Shelton may eventually find himself in the starting lineup and it may be a worthwhile test to see how he fares against a Rapids side who may still be seeking to break away from last season’s form.
This astonishing leg clearance from Saunders didn’t even register as a save but was a game-changing moment
Photo: Kristian Cardillo
For the headlines Villa missed making in the first week of matches, he’s since corrected that after pulling in his first goal and an assist last weekend. Assuming there are any doubts, it’ll be interesting to see if Villa will capitalize off his fine performance at Yankee Stadium.
The Rapids will be without defenders James Riley and the towering Bobby Burling but rookie-defender Axel Sjöberg and Shane O’Neill can be expected to pair up in hopes of mitigate Villa’s threat.
With all that NYC FC have going for them from last week’s favorable display, they don’t have the week’s rest of the Rapids and it’s a question of how Kreis’ side will handle the Colorado altitudes over the 90 minutes. The Rapids must do well to notice any signs of fatigue coming from their opponents, a possibility that could help them snap a 15 match winless streak.
