Currently tied on five points, both NYCFC and Chicago Fire will be desperate to pick up a victory in order to get their respective seasons back on the right footing. Interestingly enough, these two sides also have the exact same number of wins, draws, and losses (one, two, and one) and goal differential, with equal amount of goals scored as conceded. However, the Fire will arrive at Yankee stadium ahead of NYC FC in the table as they have conceded fewer goals (five) versus the hosts' seven and will have extra added incentive to avoid losing or drawing in the Bronx this Sunday.
NYCFC
Patrick Vieira is still seeking his first home win since taking over NYC FC in what is his debut year managing at the senior level. In his opening match, his side beat the Fire 4-3 in an entertaining seven goal thriller, but since then, they have yet to pick up all three points from any of their subsequent three matches.
It has been a frustrating campaign so far for NYCFC, who boast stars like David Villa, Mix Diskerud, Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard within their ranks. However, despite bossing the vast majority of possession in their past four games, Vieira's side have been largely been unable to make that count in their favor. To complicate matters, clean sheets are something that have been hard to come by, as so far, NYCFC have yet to prevent their opponents from scoring.
Although their upcoming opponents have struggled as well to achieve consistency, NYCFC will be welcoming a team eager on getting revenge following their 4-3 defeat just last month. In addition, there will be, of course, added pressure on the hosts given that they are playing in front of their home crowd, who will be naturally eager to see their team complete a double over Fire this season.
Chicago Fire
Veljko Paunovic will arrive at Yankee Stadium hoping to make it two wins on the bounce, especially after Kennedy Igboananike's second half goal earned Chicago Fire their first victory of the season at Philadephia Union's expense. Coming into this match, the visitors are, as noted before, tied on points with NYCFC but ahead of them with a slightly better goal difference.
Like NYCFC, the Fire will be under pressure to win this match. Why? Well, not just because of the obvious: to pick up another three points and keep climbing the table. Rather, the visitors are in danger of matching a much-unwanted league record - for the most away games sans a victory. July 12, 2014 was the last time Chicago Fire won a game on the road, and should they fail to pick up maximum points at Yankee Stadium this Sunday, it will be 27 games without winning, which is an all-time MLS league record.
Not exactly the sort of thing any side wants hanging over their heads so early into the season.
Key Stats
As noted before, Chicago Fire have gone 26 road games without a win. Here are some additional stats ahead of Sunday's clash between NYCFC and Chicago Fire:
- Even record: Each team has won one, lost one, and drawn one in terms of head-to-head against each other.
- Curiously enough, both NYCFC and Chicago Fire have scored six goals each across those first three games, so expect there to be some goals in Sunday's match.
- Razvan Cocis and David Accam have been responsible for four out of Chicago Fire's six goals against NYCFC.
- Efficient: Chicago Fire defeated Philadelphia Union despite recording just two shots on target.
- Hoodoo: David Villa has never scored against Chicago Fire. The only other teams he has faced at least twice and failed to net against are New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew.
Which channel is broadcasting NYCFC vs Chicago Fire on TV or Online?
Too far away to make it to Yankee Stadium? No worries. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together plenty of options for you to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some choices for fans residing elsewhere in the USA and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 19.00 EST on: Fox Sports 1 USA, Fox Deportes, SiriusXM FC, Fox Soccer 2GO USA, Fox Sports GO
- In the UK at 00.00 BST (Monday) on: SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports 3/HD, Sky Go UK
- In Canada at 19.00 ET on: MLS Live
Live elsewere? Check out our special NYCFC vs Chicago Fire broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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