Ismael Tajouri-Shradi listed as questionable ahead of LAFC matchup

Maxi Moralez’s Week 1 stint at center forward against Orlando City didn’t really go well. The same can be said for Taty Castellanos’ performance at the position against D.C. United wasn’t much better. One would think that this leaves Ismael Tajouri-Shradi as the next man in line for the spot going into New York City FC’s match against Los Angeles FC on Sunday.

Unfortunately, Izzy might not get his shot this week as he has been listed as “questionable” on this week’s injury report after sustaining an ankle injury at some point this week.

Tajouri-Shradi’s potential absence could be detrimental to NYCFC’s game plan this weekend as he is the only player on the team’s squad that has proven he can consistently score goals, which Castellanos and Moralez have both failed to do when in advanced positions.

Through their first two weeks, NYCFC has struggled to produce goals up top with their only two goals of the season thus far both coming against Orlando in Week 1. It also isn’t much of a relief to know that both goals were scored by midfielders, namely Alexander Ring and Ebenezer Ofori. Though it can definitely win you a game here and there, relying on goals from players in the middle of the park isn’t really a recipe for prolonged success.

According to the injury report, whether or not ITS is good to go will be announced on game day. So, fingers crossed.