Preview of MLS: Inter Miami Aims to Extend Lead, New York City FC Has Upper Hand in Head-to-Head Record

On September 22 at 2 AM, the 33rd round of this season’s Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season will see Inter Miami travel to Yankee Stadium to face New York City FC. This match is crucial for both teams. Inter Miami has a chance to further solidify its lead in the MLS, while New York City FC hopes to bounce back and fight for a return to the playoffs.

Despite drawing 2-2 with Atlanta United in midweek, Inter Miami still maintains the best record in the MLS. In contrast, New York City FC suffered a 1-5 defeat against the Philadelphia Union and currently ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference, experiencing an eight-game winless streak. However, despite their slump, New York City FC still leads the playoff qualification line by seven points, making their entry into the playoffs very likely.

A win this weekend would be New York City FC’s ninth home victory of the season, surpassing their home win record from last year. However, their defensive performance at home has not been ideal, conceding 21 goals at home throughout the season.

Historical head-to-head records show that New York City FC has a clear advantage over Inter Miami, winning 7, drawing 2, and losing 1 in the last ten encounters. At home, they have achieved four consecutive wins without conceding a single goal.

For Inter Miami, although they failed to secure all three points against Atlanta, their unbeaten run has lasted for more than two months. To ensure home advantage in the playoffs, Inter Miami needs to accumulate as many points as possible in their next five domestic matches.

Inter Miami is not only vying for home advantage in the playoffs but also pursuing their first Supporters’ Shield title. Currently, they lead the league table by 8 points over LA Galaxy and FC Cincinnati, sitting at the top of the standings.

Inter Miami’s head coach Martino, after serving a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards, will return this weekend, leading the team towards their 20th win of the season, which is six more than their total wins in 2022.

Inter Miami has performed well in away games this MLS season, never losing consecutively. However, they’ve won only one of their last three away games (4-1 against Chicago Fire). Since August 2023, Inter Miami hasn’t beaten any team in the state of New York away from home.

New York City FC will continue to miss Berik Ilyas due to injury, who has missed two consecutive games, and Malachi Jones remains sidelined due to a tibia fracture.

On Inter Miami’s side, Diego Gomez, Noah Allen, Matias Rojas, CJ Dos Santos are out injured. Messi and Luis Suarez came off the bench in the midweek game and are expected to start this match. Nicolas Freire and Facundo Farías are recovering from anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and Lawson Sunderland and Leo Afonso are also recuperating. Sergio Busquets and Thomas Aviles missed the midweek game due to accumulated yellow cards but will return for this match.

Inter Miami has experienced leaders who know how to bounce back from adversity, while New York City FC’s young players need time to overcome recent setbacks. The match on Saturday is sure to be a thrilling encounter.

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