New York City FC haven’t won an MLS match since July 3.
NYCFC aim to halt a seven-match winless stretch (0-2-5) when they host the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.
The Union have been in their own hole since going through a 1-10-6 stretch earlier in the season. Philadelphia (7-12-9, 30 points) is tied for the 11th in the Eastern Conference.
The Union also are preparing to be without star goalkeeper Andre Blake due to a groin injury. Blake was a limited practice participant on Tuesday and a decision was still forthcoming about whether or not Blake would make the trip to New York.
Andrew Rick would start if Blake isn’t available. Blake has played in just eight MLS matches this season, primarily due to a late April knee injury that required meniscus surgery.
Blake didn’t travel to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Inter Miami.
The setback against Miami was the second in three matches for the Union, who need a late surge to reach the playoffs for the seventh straight season.
“We have to be at our very best and deal with the uniqueness of the field,” Jim Curtin said of playing at Yankee Stadium. “They are very used to it and playing at their home. We need to be on our ‘A’ game and go down there and bring some points back to Philly.”
Despite the recent struggles, NYCFC (11-10-7, 40 points) are tied for the fifth-most points in the Eastern Conference. Wednesday marks the first of two big home matches — New York faces Inter Miami on Saturday.
“We know the inconsistency has to be ironed out,” NYCFC coach Nick Cushing said. “We have two games in our home stadium and that gives us a chance to iron out our consistency and an opportunity to solidify a high position (in the standings).”
NYCFC are coming off a 1-1 road tie against D.C. United on Saturday. Santiago Rodriguez scored the team’s goal. Rodriguez has nine goals, second on the squad behind Alonso Martinez (11).
Daniel Gazdag paces Philadelphia with 14 goals. Mikael Uhre (eight goals) scored the Union’s goal against Miami.
NYCFC registered a 2-1 road victory over the Union on May 15. Martinez and Hannes Wolf scored goals for New York and since-departed Julian Carranza had one for Philadelphia.
–Field Level Media
