NYCFC vs. DC United Prediction, Preview and Odds - 10/23/21
One of the most important matches of the week in the MLS will take place on Saturday night when New York City hosts D.C. United with four matches remaining in the regular season. D.C. United is coming off a 3-2 loss to New England and is currently holding the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. NYCFC played to a 1-1 draw at Atlanta on Wednesday and is tied with D.C. United in the standings.
D.C. United continues to struggle
D.C. United is winless in its last three matches and is barely clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. It has lost matches to Orlando City and New England, while playing to a 0-0 draw with Nashville. D.C. United took a 1-0 lead six minutes after halftime, but New England answered with three consecutive goals. The home team scored the final goal of the match in stoppage time when Ramon Abila netted a goal. D.C. United was tied for sixth place entering the day. Goalkeeper Bill Hamid made four saves on seven shots on target.
D.C. United peppered New England’s goal with nine shots on target. This is going to be a must-win spot for the Black and Red. They have only won twice on the road this season, allowing 30 goals in those 15 road matches. D.C. United notched a 2-1 win over NYCFC in April, but it dropped a 2-1 final in the revenge meeting at the end of June. The Black and Red have relied on their offense this season, ranked third in total goals (51). Their defense has not been as solid, allowing 44 goals on the year.
NYCFC is struggling to score goals
New York City FC is winless in its last six matches. It has lost three matches and notched three draws in those contests. NYCFC has only scored two goals in those last six outings, with one of them coming in a 1-1 final against Atlanta United. Marcelino Moreno opened the scoring 17 minutes into the match, but NYCFC was able to record a draw in the 90th minute when Gudmundur Thorarinsson scored. The club was on a 509-minute scoreless streak prior to netting that goal—their last goal came against the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 22. NYCFC moved into a tie for points with D.C. United.
Despite the long scoreless drought, the Pigeons have scored more goals than four of the top seven clubs in the Eastern Conference. They rank ninth in the MLS in scoring, netting 45 goals this year. Defense has been suspect for NYCFC this year, as it is sixth from the bottom of the league in goals allowed (34). Goalkeeper Sean Johnson made five saves against Atlanta United earlier this week. He will have a tough task ahead of him on Saturday, as he faces an offense that is third in the MLS in scoring.
Spread (NYCFC -150)
New York City has not been lighting up the scoreboard in recent matches, but it was one of the top-scoring teams in the MLS prior to this drought. The Pigeons were finally able to break that skid with their goal at the end of their match in Atlanta earlier this week. I think that goal is
going to give them some momentum heading into this contest. D.C. United has been one of the worst road teams in the league this season, where it has only scored two goals away from home.
Total (Under 2.5)
I have no interest in backing the over with New York City’s recent form. It has only scored two goals in its last six matches. The Pigeons have not gone over 2.5 goals in any of those contests. D.C. United’s numbers are inflated based on its home-road splits. This has been an entirely different club on the road. I also expect some nerves to come into play on Saturday night, as this is an extremely important match for both teams. The managers are going to put together the best possible game plan for this match, which should lead to a low-scoring final.