Early in its first season as an MLS team, New York City FC has been hit hard by the injury bug. Three of the club’s players have been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup with Sounders FC, while four others are listed as either probable or questionable.
Nevertheless, this weekend’s contest at Yankee Stadium features some intriguing matchups. Here are three to watch as the two teams square off for the very first time.
Seattle central midfield vs. Mix Diskerud
Those who have watched the U.S. National Team’s friendlies since last summer’s FIFA World Cup know just how dangerous Diskerud can be from the midfield. This will be the first time he faces fellow National Team player Clint Dempsey in MLS action. On Sunday, Diskerud could be matched up with one of the best defensive midfielders in the league in Osvaldo Alonso. Designated Player Frank Lampard is joining the team in July, but for now, Diskerud is the one who generates scoring chances from the midfield for NYCFC.
Chad Marshall vs. Khiry Shelton
Marshall and Brad Evans, the two starting centerbacks for Sounders FC, will likely be up against a very young group of attacking counterparts. Star forward David Villa is questionable to play due to a hip injury, and the status of fellow striker Adam Nemec is also uncertain because of a hamstring issue. Insert Shelton, the 21-year-old who has already made three starts for the expansion side. It will be a great challenge for him to play against Marshall, who has been one of the top centerbacks in MLS for the past decade.
Obafemi Martins vs. NYCFC backline
NYCFC is winless in its last six matches, but hardly any of the blame can be placed on the team’s backline. Led by veteran defender Chris Wingert, the club has given up a respectable seven goals in its first eight games, allowing multiple goals just once. An outside back for most of his career, Wingert has played in the middle of the backline in almost every game this year. One of the toughest assignments of his season comes Sunday night when Martins, the 2014 MLS MVP runner-up who already has four goals in six games this year, takes the field at Yankee Stadium.
