The Colorado Rapids will head to Yankee Stadium on Sunday in search of their first road win of this Major League Soccer campaign when they face New York City FC.
Coming into this encounter, the Boys in Blue are unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches in all competitions, while Colorado are a point back of a playoff berth in the Western Conference.
Match preview
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Before the regular season was paused, the reigning MLS Cup champions were one of the teams to beat, and no one has been able to do that against them since early April.
Ronny Deila did an excellent job at the helm, remaining patient while putting together a system designed to make this team successful, and at the same time developing a handful of youngsters.
The Norwegian's sudden departure for Standard Liege in Belgium leaves interim boss Nick Cushing with some massive shoes to fill going forward as he hopes to replicate the success that Deila had in the Bronx.
Cushing will have the luxury of stepping into a much better situation than most coaches do in the middle of a campaign, as this experienced group are at the top of the Eastern Conference table with 26 points.
Their backline has been virtually impenetrable in recent weeks, posting five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions, and they have not conceded a goal in MLS play since April.
Not only have they proven to be a stingy defensive unit in recent matches, but almost everyone has had a role in their run of good form.
That says a lot about their depth, with a different player scoring the winning goal in each of their previous three victories in all competitions (1-0).
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After some encouraging performances from Colorado in May, the month ended on a sour note, as their 23-match unbeaten run at Dick's Sporting Goods Park ended with a 3-1 defeat to Nashville SC.
Consistency may have been their calling card at home before that defeat, but they have not shown much of that so far in 2022, without a winning or losing streak longer than one game since April.
That up and down form has kept them in the mix for a playoff spot, although, as manager Robin Fraser pointed out, it will not help them make much progress in the overall standings, currently sitting 11 points back of the Western Conference lead.
While some dynamic players within this squad have produced some moments of magic, we still have yet to see anyone emerge as a solid number nine capable of finishing their build-up plays.
Their play at home has saved them from falling too far behind the playoff line, as they have had a miserable time containing their opponents on the road, conceding 13 of their 17 goals this year as the visitors.
When they are at their best, this group can play positionally sound football and limit the time and space of the opposition in midfield, something that they will want to use to their advantage on a narrower pitch at Yankee Stadium.
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Team News
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NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson could be back in the hunt for a place on the United States World Cup squad, collecting a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw with Uruguay, stopping four shots, while he has not conceded in an MLS encounter since April 24, leading the league with eight shutouts.
Alexander Callens notched his third of the campaign in their 1-0 win over Minnesota United before the international break, while Santiago Rodriguez moved into the team lead in assists following that goal as he now has five, one more than Talles Magno.
Anton Tinnerholm remains out with an Achilles tendon problem, Gabriel Pereira has an issue in his lower body and Kevin O'Toole has a head injury.
Diego Rubio scored his seventh of the season for the Burgundy Boys in their previous encounter, though he will not be available for this one because of a yellow card suspension.
Michael Barrios has been their primary playmaker with three assists in the regular season, one more than Lucas Esteves.
Gyasi Zardes is still trying to find his scoring touch, with just one goal and one assist since joining the Rapids from the Columbus Crew.
Braian Galvan is out with a right knee problem, Aboubacar Keita has a torn ACL and Oliver Larraz continues to recover from a right leg injury.
New York City FC possible starting lineup:
Johnson; Gray, Callens, Martins, Amundsen; Morales, Parks; Magno, Moralez, Rodriguez; Castellanos
Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:
Yarbrough; Rosenberry, Abubakar, Wilson, Trusty; Acosta, Price, Kaye; Barrios; Zardes, Lewis
We say: New York City FC 1-0 Colorado Rapids
When arguably the most prolific striker in the league (Valentin Castellanos) is without a goal in three matches in all competitions, and you can still win comfortably, you understand why NYCFC are solid favourites to retain their title.
Colorado are a better team than their record currently indicates, but New York simply have too much quality for them to handle, and they can win by scoring their share of goals or playing a sound defensive game.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joel Lefevre
