Four Questions with Hudson River Blue

As the Philadelphia Union gear up to face NYCFC at Citi Field this Saturday, we caught up with our friends over at Hudson River Blue to get a closer look at the mood in the NYCFC camp. With both clubs eager to rebound after recent results, we touched on the home-field dynamics, lineup concerns, and the players Union fans should be watching closely on Saturday. Here’s what they had to say.

NYCFC is always tough to play on the road because of the field dimensions. Is there a difference between playing at Citi Field vs Yankee Stadium and does the home field advantage carry over?
I think the advantage is the same between both stadiums. This is actually the Citi Field home opener for NYCFC, so I think that will have an effect on the game. NYCFC is coming off an ugly 2-1 home loss to Minnesota and will be desperate to bounce back in front of its fans. NYCFC is used to playing on a narrow pitch whether its at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field, so I still believe they have the advantage over Philadelphia

NYCFC has had mixed results this season and is on a three-match winless streak. What have the noticeable strengths and weaknesses been in those results?I want to say the notable strength is the defense, but that proved to be false in the 4-3 loss to Atlanta. The defense has its moments, we’ve seen the backline hold Columbus scoreless but look dysfunctional at other times. As for the offense, the lack of Santiago Rodríguez is extremely evident. The team clearly lacks a No. 10 — Maxi Moralez is great but he’s 38 years old, there’s only so much he can do at times. NYCFC is lacking Andrés Perea — a solid defensive midfielder who has a knack for going forward — and Malachi Jones, a pacey winger who can take on defenders. Both sides of the ball need improvement, and NYCFC needs some solid signings.

Matt Freese has been fulfilling so much of the promise he had growing up here in the Philadelphia area but it seems like there’s also been some down moments this season too. How would you assess his season so far and just his overall impact and importance to the team?
I can’t say Matt Freese has been bad. His worst performance of the young season was against Atlanta, but the game-winning goal he conceded wasn’t exactly his fault. Thiago Martins wanted Freese to come off his line and retrieve the ball, but the miscommunication led to the goal. Instead, Martins should’ve cleared the ball away. Overall, his save percentage is sitting at a 72.5 percent and I think he’ll improve.

NYC has had its fair share of stars over the years and players who irritate Union fans. Who are the stars of this team and who are the players with the knack to get under opponents’ skin?
I would say Alonso Martínez — that’s the obvious answer. If he gets a chance, he’ll score it. Look out for the wingers: Hannes Wolf and Julián Fernández. The rest of the midfield and backline is still the same as usual. If Matt Freese has a great game, I’m sure that’ll frustrate Union fans.

Any injuries or suspension of note? Lineup and score prediction.
Andrés Perea and Malachi Jones are still out. I’m sure Nico Cavallo will be out too with a leg injury. I think NYCFC will tie 2-2 with Philadelphia. Matt Freese; Birk Risa, Thiago Martins, Mitja Ilenič; Justin Haak, Keaton Parks; Hannes Wolf, Maxi Moralez, Julián Fernández; Alonso Martínez

With both teams looking to steady the ship, Saturday’s match at Citi Field is shaping up to be anything but predictable. Between NYCFC’s tight home field, a few notable absences, and the Union’s own need to bounce back, there’s plenty on the line.Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV+. We’ll have full postmatch coverage and reaction right here at Philadelphia Soccer Now, see you after the final whistle.