New York City FC Match Preview and Prediction: Houston Dynamo

After suffering their second consecutive disappointing result, New York City FC will look to get back to their winning ways when they take on the Houston Dynamo Saturday afternoon.

Where: Pratt & Whitney Stadium – East Hartford, Connecticut

When: Saturday, 9/23 at 3:00 pm ET

How to Watch: Facebook Live, UniMás

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 13: Khiry Shelton (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Match Overview:

New York City FC must be glad they’re coming home after a disappointing draw against the Colorado Rapids, but unfortunately, Yankee Stadium will have to wait. Due to a scheduling conflict with the New York Yankees, the Boys in Blue will play their second-to-last home match of the season in East Hartford.

Despite the unfamiliar venue and their recent ineptitude in front of goal, NYCFC has an excellent chance to earn all three points Saturday afternoon now that goal-scoring machine David Villa is projected to return to the starting XI.

The Houston Dynamo only have one win away from home this season and are currently in their worst form of the season, dropping points in three of their last four matches.

The Dynamo have also been one of the worst defensive sides on the road this season, yielding 27 goals in 15 matches away from BBVA Compass Stadium.

Despite their road performance this season, Houston might be in desperation mode considering their recent run of form has seen them drop below the playoff line and the club may be more motivated than NYCFC coming into the match.

HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 06: Alex (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Three Keys to the Match:

Feed David Villa: He may have to shake off a little rust due to the time he’s missed, but David Villa is still the best attacking option NYCFC has. The Spanish international has an uncanny ability to find space in the box and put the ball in the back of the net. That killer instinct is what NYCFC has missed the past two matches and as long as he gets his touches, Villa is bound to score at least once.
Eliminate Alex’s Impact: Alex is by far the Dynamo’s best playmaker in the midfield. The Brazilian international has excellent vision and is a dangerous passer, judging by his ten assists on the year, and he’s incredibly tough to take off the ball. Limiting Alex’s impact on the match will keep Houston’s forwards isolated from play and severely hinder their scoring potential.
Play Possession: Unfortunately, New York City FC might be without defensive midfielders Alexander Ring and Yangel Herrera against the Dynamo. Without Ring and Herrera’s defensive presence in the midfield, the Boys in Blue will have to be careful with their passes and maintain the majority of possession to keep the Dynamo from taking advantage on the counter.

ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 05: David Villa (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

Player to Watch: David Villa

More from Empire Writes Back

After two straight matches in which they lacked an offensive spark, NYCFC will finally have David Villa back in the starting XI this weekend.

The Spanish International has been the offensive spark plug for the Boys in Blue the entire season and still leads the league in goals despite missing the past two matches to an adductor injury.

Although he made an 18-minute cameo appearance against the Rapids last weekend, Villa’s fitness level has yet to be determined and he may be limited in some capacity. Even if he doesn’t play the whole match, NYCFC is a much more dangerous side with him on the field.

Official Overview: Allen Chapman

Allen Chapman has officiated 18 matches so far this season and is one of the better officials in terms of the flow of play. Chapman averages a little over 21 total fouls called per match, which is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the other referees in the MLS.

Chapman can be a little harsh with his cards, but he should allow the match to have some sort of flow to it and both teams shouldn’t have trouble playing the style of soccer they’re accustomed to.

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Prediction: New York City FC 2 – Houston Dynamo 1

Despite not playing in the familiar confines of Yankee Stadium, NYCFC will finally get another win now that David Villa is back in the starting XI.

The Spanish International is bound to put one in the back of the net, despite his possible limited playing time. Even if he doesn’t score, Villa’s presence on the pitch will do wonders for the Cityzens. Villa will occupy a lot of Houston’s attention at the back, which should open up space for other players to do some serious damage.

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