New York City FC can inch closer to clinching a playoff spot Saturday afternoon when they visit Inter Miami CF.
NYCFC (13-11-8, 47 points) have won two in a row and are 2-1-2 in their past five matches after recording just one win in their previous seven (1-4-2). Both recent wins have been shutouts for NYCFC, who have conceded two goals during their last five matches.
“It shows fortitude,” attacking midfielder Santiago Rodriguez said of the team’s defensive efforts. “We haven’t really worked on anything specific, just been more focused on the attack of the other team and have done a lot better to shut them out. That gives us a lot of confidence across the team to not have goals scored on us. It makes us stronger and we look to continue playing that way.”
Valentin Castellanos scored on a penalty kick in New York’s 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday. It was Castellanos’ 16th goal of the season, putting him one behind D.C. United’s Ola Kamara for most in MLS this season.
Inter Miami CF (11-16-5, 38 points) saw their slim hopes of making the playoffs take a hit on Wednesday in a 2-1 setback to Atlanta United.
The Herons are now six points back of the playoff line with four teams ahead of them, including seventh-place D.C. United.
“We missed ruthlessness to score goals,” Miami coach Phil Neville said after the match. “That’s what the best players do. That’s what the best teams do. … That’s why they won the game. That’s why we are where we are in the league. It’s as simple as that.”
Miami had won two in a row before the loss. Prior to that stretch, the club was outscored 16-1 during a six-match losing streak.
NYCFC have won all three meetings between the two sides, outscoring Miami 6-2 while notching two of the wins by shutout.
–Field Level Media
