NYCFC vs. Inter Miami Preview- 4 Questions

Here we are, home opener for 2023 for the New York City Football Club. It’s been a bit of an uphill climb for the Gents in Blue, first being shut out in Nashville 2-0, followed by a 1-1 tie to Chicago after allowing a late second half goal to Forward Fabian Herbers. So now on Saturday the club has the chance to go even at 1-1-1 with a win against Inter Miami, one of only 4 remaining clubs that started the season 2-0. And always, 5 questions going in:

1) Can the club’s success against Inter-Miami continue? NYCFC is 6-1 against the Herons, outscoring them 16-6 dating back to 2020. Most recently was in the first round of the playoffs last year, a 3-0 win by the Cityzens. However this is a Miami squad that has impressed early on in their first two matches, however this is the first one on the road for them.

2) Can NYCFC Find The Back of the Net? Early on this has been a bit of a concern for the team with only 1 goal thus far this season. This further complicates things as so far Inter-Miami has yet to concede a goal despite 10 total shots on goal. Drake Callender has been earning his paycheck this far this season.

3) How will the weather play a factor? At game time the temperature is expected to around 40 degrees which raises the question on player fatigue and cramping. With NYCFC having played in Soldier Field in Chicago last week and more used to colder temperatures (and as mentioned Inter-Miami has yet to play outside their home turf) will this give the Gents in Blue an advantage?

4) How will Talles Magno respond? The young Brazillian has struggled some since the departure of Taty Castellanos, bouncing between forward, winger & striker to find what works for the 20 year old. I do believe he’ll find his way, but for now it’s a question as to if he can get in position this weekend to put pressure on Callender. In the last 20 matches he’s had 3 goals and 2 assists.

This match is far from a must in match this weekend, but there is a lot riding on it. I talk a lot about setting a mental tone early, and once the seeds of doubt start to be planted in a player’s mind you’re no longer playing to win, you’re playing to not lose. Big difference. Should this club fall to 0-2-1 after 3 matches those seeds of doubt can enter a player’s mind. On the flip side, beating a club that won it’s first two without a goal given up is a massive boost and quickly washes away the sting of the first two matches. Time will tell which seeds get planted after Saturday.

About the author – Scott Churchson has been an actor in every way for the past 13 years, from BG to stand in to stunts and principal, a sports writer for the past 4 and is one of the people that created Stream Punk Entertainment. He’s married to a veterinarian, has a cat with three working legs and is just a simple man trying to make his way in the universe.