Key Points
Home FortThe Boys in Blue have hosted two matches so far at Yankee Stadium this 2023 MLS Regular Season, in which the ‘Cityzens’ tasted victory against Inter Miami and D.C. United sides, with New York City scoring a total of four goals in those two encounters in The Bronx. The ‘Boys in Blue’ averaged a total of 11.5 total shots and a total of 6.5 shots on target in those two encounters. Yankee Stadium has also become a fortress over the past handful of appearances for New York City Football Club, as their overall record in the past 12 appearances is 9-1-2, with their overall record in The Bronx being 65-17-26.Close HistoryNew York City Football Club and Atlanta United have found themselves on opposing sides for a total of 13 times, with their history being extremely even and New York City having the upper hand in overall wins against Atlanta, with five wins overall. The two have never had a goaless encounter, with at least one goal being scored in all 13 meetings. The ‘Boys in Blue’ have not found themselves on the side of defeat against Atlanta United since the 2019 MLS Regular Season, in which Atlanta United came out victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. The most recent result for New York City away from home, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in which midfielder Gabriel Pereira found the back of the net in a 2-1 victory.Home Field AdvantageThe ‘Cityzens’ have been in hot form at home over the past couple of games at home, winning six straight home matches in all competitions, and 15 wins out of the last 21 matches. The ‘Boys in Blue’ will look to match their longest home winning record in all competitions, which was a seven-match run from November 2017 to June 2018. Additionally, the South Americans have been in red hot form for New York City Football Club, with 48 of their last 49 MLS goals (excluding own goals) being scored by South American players and 28 of them being scored by specifically Brazilian players.Gabi In-FormBrazilian midfielder Gabriel Pereira has been in top form so far this 2023 MLS Regular Season, finding himself being the top assist maker of the team with two assists. Pereira immediately made an impact when coming off the bench in the match against New England Revolution, recording one assist, 100% pass accuracy rate, one big chance created, three ground duels won, and one successful dribble, all in the space of 25 minutes played. With the assist to Talles Magno’s goal against the New England Revolution, Pereira has recorded seven goal contributions in his last 12 appearances for New York City Football Club.Keep a Close Eye On Brazlian forward Talles Magno has been a staple in this NYCFC side over the past two seasons. Magno will be looking to make his 70th NYCFC appearance in the match against Atlanta United. Talles Magno has found his scoring boots this season, having scored two goals in his last three appearances for the ‘Boys in Blue’, and having scored his 16th goal in his 69th appearance for the Club. On top of that, midfielder Santiago Rodríguez will look to continue to impress for the ‘Cityzens’, having recorded eight goal contributions, two goals and six assists, in his last 11 appearances for New York City Football Club. Additionally, youngsters Richy Ledezma, Gabe Segal, and Stephen Turnbull will all be looking to make their home debuts and make a good first impression in front of the NYCFC faithful.
Off-the-Field Storylines
Captain of the Match - Shimpei SHIRAFUJITonight’s Captain Morgan “Captain of the Match” is Shimpei SHIRAFUJI. Shimpei is all about using soccer to bring together people from all walks of life. Whether it's bringing in new faces to join a team at NYC Footy or inviting someone to their first match, there is no better builder of community. National Anthem singer - Sol KATANA Honor Guard - Members of the NY Dept. of Sanitation City in the Community (CITC) Kickoff Kid - Jay Pena