New York City FC will be underdogs tonight when meeting the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Gillette Stadium (7:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes).
But would it be a massive, Real Salt Lake-like upset if the Cityzens advance in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs?
The guys at Extratime, who all picked the Revs to win, detailed the ways NYCFC could advance.
After saying NYCFC struggled during the first half of their postseason opener, co-host David Gass lauded NYCFC’s effort in the second half of a 2-0 Round One win over Atlanta United at Yankee Stadium.
“I think there's a good chance they come out and try to get a bulk of possession against the Revs and try to control the pace of the game throughout,” Gass said. “Maxi Moralez looked as good in the second half against Atlanta\] as we’ve seen him in the postseason so he’s starting to find his form and [James Sands settling in at center mid in place of Keaton Parks was really big in that Atlanta matchup as well.”
Co-host Calen Carr also believes NYCFC should take the game to the hosts, identifying Sands as key to the club’s possible success.
“If I were NYCFC, I would come out and fly at them in the beginning of the match," Carr said. "The big question too is can Sands get in and around Carles Gil. Yes, Tajon \[Buchanan] can hurt you and [Gustavo\] Bou and [Adam\] Buksa, but I think they can match up in a lot of those areas. I think the big part of what makes this team tick is Carles Gil.”
The other key for NYCFC is Taty Castellanos, the 2021 Golden Boot presented by Audi winner, who had 19 goals and 8 assists during the regular season. He also scored in their playoff opener vs. Atlanta.
“It all starts and ends with Taty,” Gass said. “And that’s why he has to be the Golden Boot winner for them and he has to be pretty much an MVP for them. He is the lone guy I think who can do it all in terms of chance creation and finishing.”
Carr agreed, listing Castellanos’ performance, along with an aggressive start and Sands' work on Gil as the keys for an NYCFC victory.
“Taty Castellanos is a match winner. I think he really is and when you look at those New England center backs, I think they're going to have trouble with him,” Carr said. “He’s different than a lot of MLS strikers. There’s definitely a path forward for NYCFC.”
For more Extratime analysis, check out the entire episode here.
