Preview: NYCFC vs. Fire

The math is simple for both NYCFC and the Fire. NYCFC clinches a playoff spot if they avoid defeat at Yankee Stadium while the Fire will officially be eliminated with a loss.

The Fire actually won against NYCFC, 3-2, at Toyota Park back on June 30th and briefly lifted them over the red line. It wouldn’t be until September 16th before they won another match in the league. The Fire are now essentially playing for pride (yet again) and will likely be happy for any point they can get as the season winds down. Bastian Schweinsteiger is a question mark after getting elbowed in the head by New Engalnd’s Guillermo Hauche.

NYCFC are in the middle part of three matches in eight days. They drew at Montreal last Saturday which eliminated them from Supporters Shield contention and extended their winless streak to six. Scoring has also been an issue for the blue half of New York as they have scored just four goals during this streak. NYCFC need this match not just to assure themselves of the playoffs, but to consolidate a home match in the playoffs.