Predictions for DCvNYC
The international break is finally over and a lot has happened. The US Men's National Team beat Cuba 2-0 drew 1-1 against New Zealand. San Marino scored their first away goal in a World Cup qualifier since 2001. And as for NYCFC, Ronald Matarrita, Jason Hernandez, and Tony Taylor played for their respective countries (Taylor for Panama, not the US, like his FIFA 17 card says), while most of the rest of the team plus four Wilmington Hammerheads players travelled to Mexico for a mid-eason interleague friendly. Kyle Parker scored the goal for NYCFC (of course you don't know him, he's one of the four from Wilmington), and I kind of wish he had a FIFA card so I can include him in this, because I think he truly deserves to play in this club. But alas, he doesn't. We have to play the hand we're dealt. So, assuming the injury list hasn't changed, Mendoza, Lampard, Chanot, Gomez, and Brandt are all out. Here's what I think we will see (note: this is not exactly what I want to see):
I think Lopez and Martinez made a great impression in Mexico. Ballouchy, not so much. He missed a huge opportunity in that friendly, which would drop your rating a few tenths of a point in FIFA 17's "The Journey" gameplay mode. Speaking of player ratings, although there was no record being kept, I think if there was one, Mena and White would have had the lowest scores. But, this is Vieira we're talking about. He gave Saunders chance after chance, he would do the same for Mena. You may argue, "well, why not Mix?" But you can speculate an answer to that very easily.
As for a score prediction, judging based on past results, I'd say 1-2 to NYCFC or 2-2. DC United is hungry for a playoff spot. I won't be surprised if they get a point out of this match (they need all three to earn a playoff spot). However, I think NYCFC may just that much more to give. The record against DC is 4W-0D-1L, so NYCFC should be the stronger team. It will be a close match, but I don't think NYC will leave DC empty-handed.
