Match Preview: D.C. United vs. NYCFC - Sept. 14, 2024

Story of the Match

Coming into town this weekend is 2021 MLS Cup Champions, New York City FC. While it's not the same squad in blue as the side that won their last championship, they do still find themselves in a playoff spot as the 2024 season nears its end. Nick Cushing, former Manchester City Women’s coach, currently leads NYCFC from the touchline and has his team sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference on 39 points.

However, things haven’t been all sunshine and roses for the team in MLS league play recently. In their last six games, NYCFC have failed to secure a win while drawing four times and losing twice.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Black-and-Red enter the match in sizzling form. Troy Lesesne’s squad have won four of their last five matches, which catapulted them up the Eastern Conference standings and into the last playoff spot.

The match will surely prove interesting as both sides will be without key players. For D.C. United, Mateusz Klich will miss out on Saturday’s action due to yellow card accumulation. And for NYCFC, Julián Fernández will be sidelined due to a red card picked up in the waning minutes of their last match against the Columbus Crew.

D.C. United will celebrate Noche Latina when it takes on New York City FC on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Audi Field. Come and join the Black-and-Red as we honor our deep Hispanic roots and celebrate legends like Jaime Moreno, Marco Etcheverry, and Raul Diaz Arce who cemented D.C. United as the earliest dynasty in MLS history!

Noche Latina will include activations throughout Audi Field that pay homage to our rich Hispanic heritage while watching D.C. United stars like Aaron Herrera and Martín Rodriguez as they fight for a playoff spot!

Secure seats here!

By the Numbers

• D.C. United's all-time regular season record against New York City FC is 7-11-3 with 24 goals scored and 40 goals against.
• Christian Benteke leads MLS with 18 goals in 24 matches this season. New York City FC's leading goal scorer is Alonso Martinez with 11 goals in 19 matches.
• The Black-and-Red are ranked 3rd in the league with 11.4 successful tackles per match this season; New York City FC are ranked 9th with 10.4.
• Midfielder Martin Rodriguez leads the team with an 89.5% passing accuracy. Rodriguez also has four assists and two goals on seven shots this season.
• D.C. United are ranked 4th in MLS averaging 5.3 accurate crosses per match; New York City FC ranked 19th averaging 3.9 accurate crosses per match.