NYCFC needs to remain focused vs. New England (Oct 15, 2017)
New York City FC has a date with the New England Revolution on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass., but keeping their minds off Atlanta United might be challenging.
At the same time New York City kicks off against the Revs at Gillette Stadium (5 p.m. ET), Atlanta United faces the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, N.J. in a match with playoff implications.
An Atlanta United win coupled with an NYCFC loss would jettison The Five Stripes into a tie with the latter for second place in the Eastern Conference.
NYCFC (16-8-8, 56 points) leads Atlanta United by three points for the second spot in the conference, which comes with a coveted first-round bye in the 2017 MLS Playoffs.
Staying focused with so much on the line could be tough.
"Our next game will be tough and really difficult," NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira told the team's website. "We're going to try to go there and play a normal game and of course, try to get the three points."
Another factor for Vieira's team? The Revolution are playing their final game at home this season and will want to go out with a win.
New England (11-15-6, 39 points) enters the match tied for eighth in the East and has already been eliminated from playoff contention, but the Revs have gone an impressive 11-2-3 at home this season.
"We've been solid at home, and it's been our fort," New England's Diego Fagundez told the team's website. "It's the last (home) game, so we have to enjoy it as much as possible and make sure everybody is happy when they leave."
NYCFC and New England have met twice already this season in New York, playing to a 2-2 draw on May 31 before NYCFC bested the Revs 2-1 in their most recent meeting Aug. 20.
City will be without Miguel Camargo (hip), Maxime Chanot (hernia surgery), James Sands (international duty), and Maxi Moralez (yellow card suspension) in Foxborough.
Kelyn Rowe (right knee sprain) is questionable for New England.
The teams are 3-3-2 in the all-time series.
