The positive vibes restored by NYCFC’s three-match unbeaten run were dimmed a bit by the announcement of the venue for the club’s first home MLS Cup Playoff match. That game will be played in Red Bull Arena, and it will mark a grim milestone, as the single-elimination encounter will be NYCFC’s 20th farcical “home” match played in Harrison, New Jersey since the 2020 season.
Much is made of the competitive advantage NYCFC gain when they play on one of their two preferred fields, the converted baseball surfaces in the Bronx and Queens.