The MLS postseason is upon us, starting with knockout round games on Wednesday and Thursday this week. We’ll start our previews by looking at Wednesday’s matchups:
Philadelphia Union vs. NYCFC
X-Factor: The Yankee Stadium grass. These two played on Sunday in the Bronx and the size of the field restricted the Union’s ability to possess the ball. Philly will have to be more direct.
From NYCFC’s perspective
— Before they trainwrecked in the stretch run, NYCFC made their living smothering Yankee Stadium’s tight midfield. It was one of Patrick Vieira’s lasting tactical impacts, and while Dome Torrent has retained some of those elements, NYC seem to have forgotten many of the lessons taught by Vieira.