Tough Road Ahead for NYCFC
New York City Football Club has had a difficult start to the 2025 MLS season, struggling to find consistency and currently sitting outside the playoff places in the Eastern Conference. After a promising 2024 campaign that saw the club reach the conference finals, NYCFC has had to navigate a rash of injuries and a tough schedule through the opening months.
The defending MLS Cup champions, the Columbus Crew, will provide another stern test this weekend as NYCFC hosts their Eastern rivals at Yankee Stadium. The Crew have gotten off to a strong start themselves and will be looking to extend their lead atop the conference standings.
Rivalry Renewed
This matchup between NYCFC and the Crew is the latest installment of a growing rivalry between the two clubs. They met in last year's playoffs, with the Crew eventually prevailing after a hard-fought series. Both sides will be eager to gain an early advantage in the race for postseason positioning.
NYCFC will be boosted by the potential return of several key players from injury, but they'll need to shore up a defense that has uncharacteristically struggled at times this season. The club's high-powered attack, led by DP forwards Valentin Castellanos and Thiago, will be counted on to provide the offensive spark against the Crew's stingy backline.
TL;DR
- NYCFC has endured a difficult start to the 2025 MLS season, currently sitting outside the playoff places
- The club hosts the Columbus Crew this weekend in a matchup of Eastern Conference contenders
- NYCFC will look to get key players back from injury to bolster their squad against the in-form Crew