New York City Football Club and DC United were the two highest scoring clubs last season and this time they're yet to put the ball at the back of the net since the start of their 2017 MLS campaigns. NYCFC were defeated by a 1-0 away loss to Orlando City SC while Sporting Kansas City held DC United to a 0-0 goalless draw at the RFK. New York City Football Club's home opener is an opportunity for both clubs to try to amend their attacking strengths this time as they meet on Sunday afternoon at the New York's Yankee Stadium. For the all-time series, both teams have so far played five times, with the New York Red Bulls winning three games and DC United winning just two of their meetings.
New York City FC
New York City FC re-built a large chunk of their team in the MLS off-season, most remarkably replacing the superannuated midfielder Frank Lampard with Argentine designated player Maxi Moralez in the central midfield. Maxi Moralez had a few opportunities to distinguish himself in the opening weekend's 1-0 away loss to Orlando City SC. Although neither Moralez nor the 2016 Most Valuable Player David Villa could find the right touches throughout the course of the encounter. While the faces and names noticeably changed, the team's mode of play remained unchanged. NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira's men gained dominion and were committed to gradual building from back to front, this tactic was effective for NYCFC last season.
DC United
Since July 2016, last Saturday was the first time ever that DC United had been shut-out, though they should have gotten on the scoreboard by means of a first half penalty kick against Sporting Kansas City as central midfielder Sarvas fluffed. DC United were swift and opportunistic offensively, but they could not find the back of the net and eventually settled for a 0-0 scoreless draw in which Sporting Kansas City dominated ball possession. The much talked about DC United Homegrown player Ian Harkes is a good bet to make his Major League Soccer debut this Sunday.
