D.C. United (DCU) will be hosting New York City FC (NYCFC) on Friday at the RFK Stadium. DC have hit a bit of a slump recently, and NYCFC have must-win games from here on out if they are to stand any chance of making the Playoffs, so this clash will see a lot of passion and a lot at stake.
United will try to end a six-match winless streak that started last August when they lost to NYCFC 3–1 in their first ever meeting against one another.
After the defeat to the Light Blues, DC suffered losses to the San Jose Earthquakes (2–0), New York Red Bulls (3–0), a 1–1 draw with the Colorado Rapids and again defeats to Columbus Crew SC (2–1) and Montreal Impact (2–0).
DCU were formerly on top of the Eastern Conference but being unable to secure a win, they were held at 45 points, which is enough currently for only fourth spot.
They are just three points ahead of the last playoff spot and are three points behind conference leaders New York Red Bulls, who were the first club to clinch a playoff berth in Major League Soccer (MLS) this season.
A win for DCU will tie them with the Red Bulls and will give them a chance to have a better standing heading to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, NYCFC are not yet eliminated and still have the chance to enter the playoffs if they win all their remaining games including Friday's showdown facing United, but even then they rely on other teams ahead of them dropping a number of games.
The Light Blues are on a three-match winning streak defeating Toronto FC (2–0), San Jose (3–2), and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2–1) to keep their playoff hopes alive.
NYCFC currently have 37 points and are sitting in eighth spot in the East, five points behind the last playoff spot which is currently held by Montreal (42 points), who also have games in hand.
Light Blues captain David Villa, who already has 17 goals in his first season in the MLS, is expected to lead the charge when they play United.
The match between D.C. United and New York City FC will take place on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
