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Due to our system being particularly wonky today, we were unfortunately unable to provide live updates. But don’t worry, we will have plenty to say about this in the coming days.
HT: It’s scoreless at the half. New York City have had some excellent chances, but haven’t been able to convert any of them. You can see the frustration on Maxi Moralez’s face as he walks off the field. You’d think the goal will come if New York City keep taking their chances, though.
26’: Nearly a disaster for the Pigeons! The Revs’ Wright shoots from distance...and he hits the post! That goal would’ve been completely against the run of play. The New York City defense just failed to clear a simple ball over the top.
25’: James Sands has acquitted himself well so far. He’s done well on the ball, and hasn’t made any obvious mistakes. He performed well on his loan to Louisville, and it looks like that experience has carried over to tonight.
20’: The Pigeons are in control right now. The team’s movement is fluid, and able to create chances. They just haven’t been able to convert any of them so far. Knighton’s been equal to the task, and New York City’s missed the ones he hasn’t been able to save. NYCFC’s had six shots, three on target.
14’: New York City are lining up for a free kick. The Pigeons are playing better than they did with an actual defensive midfielder, as opposed to using a double pivot.
You’re wondering: what’s a “double pivot”? It works like this: a pivot is the deepest midfielder who occupies the space between the defense and midfield lines. His job is to pick up the ball and distribute it along the pitch.
Some teams play 4-5-1 with 1 pivot, with two more forward midfielders ahead of him. The pivot breaks up play and controls possession, while the other two are tasked with getting forward and attacking. One of them perhaps given more license to attack. This is usually how Barcelona play. Think of Busquets behind Xavi and Iniesta/Fabregas, back in the day.
In other cases, teams play with 2 defensive midfielders. This means there are two midfielders tasked with covering the space in front of the defence, and when in possession, help set the tempo of the game. This can help the team be more defensively solid and perhaps dominate possession more. But it can also be used to give the third (and the highest) midfielder more freedom to attack. He can almost play as a forward with the security of the double pivot behind him.
The double pivot can also be used when you have two midfielders who are both good at attacking, and/or may need help defensively.
So how does this look like for NYCFC? Well, on Saturday, Torrent was using Ebenezer Ofori and Alexander Ring as a double pivot, and Moralez theoretically would’ve played further up. That didn’t happen.
And now you know!
8’: New York City have had a couple of good chances early! Nothing’s come of them, but just like Saturday against Columbus, they’ve gotten off to a good start.
1’: We’re off. And immediately, we’ve got a bit of shaky play from the backline. Sebastian Ibeagha doesn’t know if Sean Johnson is coming off his line. Eventually, they sort it out.
Rosters are out! James Sands is getting his first career MLS start. That’s exciting! What’s not exciting is seeing — yet again — Jonathan Lewis ironbound to the bench. At this point, if I’m Lewis, I’m looking for a way out. If he can’t start a game like this, it’s unlikely he ever will.
On a broader picture, New York City desperately need a win after getting demolished on the road by Columbus. Luckily, the Pigeons are outstanding at home. They have a 15-game unbeaten streak at Yankee Stadium, and haven’t lost a game at home all season long.
Rosters
New York City Starting XI: Johnson; Tinnerholm, Callens, Ibeagha, Sweat; Sands, Ring, Matarrita; Moralez, Castellanos, Villa (c).
Bench: Stuver, Awuah, Bedoya, Lewis, McNamara, Scally, Amagat
- Suspended: none
- Suspended after next caution: M - Tommy McNamara, M - Alex Ring
- International Duty: D - Maxime Chanot, M - Rodney Wallace, M - Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, M - Ebenezer Ofori
- Injury: OUT: M - Yangel Herrera (ankle surgery), D - Cedric Hountondji (hamstring injury), D - Alex Callens (knee injury), M - Jesus Medina (hamstring injury), F - Jo Inge Berget (adductor injury)
New England Starting XI: Knighton, Farrell, Anibaba, Caldwell, Wright, Rowe, Machado, Bye, Zahibo, Mancienne, Penilla
Bench: Turner, Agudelo, Angking, Delamea, Fagundez, Femi, Segbers
- Suspended: M - Luis Caicedo
- Suspended after next caution: M - Kelyn Rowe, D - Antonio Delamea
- International Duty: M - Zachary Herivaux, D - Gabriel Somi
- Injury: OUT: D - Chris Tierney (torn ACL)
Referees: Armando Villareal (referee); Logan Brown, Corey Parker (assistant referees); Sorin Stoica (4th official); Jorge Gonzalez (VAR)
How To Watch
Match date & time: September 5, 2018, 7 pm.
Venue: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, NY
Online streaming: Fox Sports GO
TV: YES
Local radio: WNYE 91.5 FM — English; WADO 1280 AM — Spanish.
All-time series: New York City FC have amassed 3 wins all-time against the Revs, while New England have 4. Three draws have also occurred.
For NYCFC, this is a must-win. One win in their last six games is bad. Very bad. And if they wish to possibly challenge the Red Bulls and Atlanta, the wins will have to start coming now. Oh, and did I mention that they’re severely hamstrung when it comes to the players available?