New York City FC are scheduled to move into their new Etihad Park stadium in the summer of 2027, just in time for the new MLS schedule. FC Cincinnati hope they can exterminate some of the ghosts of the Empire State before that date.
Cincinnati (2-2-4, 8 pts.) travel to Yankee Stadium for an away trip against New York City FC (3-2-3, 11 pts.) on Wednesday evening. The Orange & Blue are coming off a set of positive come-from-behind results, while the blue side of New York looks to get their first MLS win in over a month.
Ever since their elimination in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, FC Cincinnati has struggled against NYCFC, getting swept in a pair of 1-0 defeats last season. Pat Noonan’s crew has only won once against NYCFC in a road tilt, a 3-1 win during the 2023 Supporters’ Shield season. That is their only win in New York City, having lost seven out of nine times in the Big Apple since their MLS debut.
While a win would not pull Cincinnati past NYCFC, it would likely move the Orange & Blue back into the top half of the Eastern Conference. A loss would send Cincinnati to their worst nine-match start under Noonan.
NEW YORK CITY FC
Despite a solid start, the Pigeons’ recent record has not been as impressive. Starting with a 3-2 home loss to Inter Miami, NYCFC has a draw and three losses in their last four MLS matches. The only bright spot over the last month was drubbing USL-1 unit Westchester SC 5-2 in U.S. Open Cup play.
In their last match over the weekend, NYCFC threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Charlotte FC, owning almost two-thirds of the possession and taking 22 shots. However, the Pigeons were unable to overcome two second-half goals by Charlotte, losing 2-1 at home.
While NYCFC struggled in the past with scoring, their offensive numbers are slightly better than their historical highs. The Pigeons are scoring almost two goals per match, significantly higher than their 2021 MLS Cup season (1.7 gpm). While their attack has been supercharged, they may have become more readable—NYCFC leads the league in offside calls (27).
Argentine striker Nicolas Fernandez has already eclipsed his 2025 numbers in half as many minutes, scoring six goals over eight matches. Midfielder Maxi Morales has also been rejuvenated in his second stint with NYCFC, leading the team with five assists.
NYCFC has been better at possession (56.9%) and passing accuracy (third in MLS), but they have struggled with keeping opponents out of their own goal. Much like Cincinnati’s union, goalkeeper Matt Freese has only one clean sheet. However, Freese is still in the Top 10 in most goalkeeping categories and has allowed a full goal less than FCC’s keepers.
THE ORANGE AND BLUE
For the fourth straight MLS match, Cincinnati found themselves behind early, giving up three goals to Chicago in the first 50 minutes. However, a solid second-half effort pulled in a well-earned point, a 3-3 draw at TQL Stadium on Saturday.
Thankfully, Cincinnati did not match an MLS record for red cards in consecutive matches, as the Orange & Blue were without their lead striker Kevin Denkey (suspended). Despite that hole in their attack, the team produced their highest xG output of the season, taking 23 shots and nine on target against one of the better defending teams.
Evander finally pulled himself out of his early-season funk, scoring a penalty kick and providing a solid set piece that led to the tying own goal late against Chicago. Tom Barlow also added to the stockpile, scoring his second MLS goal and fifth goal for FCC across all competitions.
The flurry of early yellow cards did claim one victim, as Bryan Ramirez will miss Wednesday’s match after his fifth yellow card of the season. The Orange & Blue will likely be without Obinna Nwobodo and Matt Miazga again, as both were out Saturday with leg injuries.
Miles Robinson was lifted after 60 minutes in Saturday’s match on a minutes count and should be available for Wednesday’s match. That could be beneficial for a defense that has been struggling to keep the goals from mounting, as only Orlando, Montreal, and Kansas City have given up more goals in MLS play.
Predicted lineup:
Match Info
Where: Yankee Stadium, New York City, NY
When: Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:30 p.m.
Watch: Apple+
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