"Everyone Knows What Needs to Be Done" – Sands Keeps NYCFC Focused on Playoff Goal

New York City FC midfielder James Sands said the team is fully aware of what is at stake in the playoff race ahead of their MLS visit to Orlando City SC, where they need a crucial win.

Without a victory in their last 5 league matches, NYCFC have slipped to 12th place in the Eastern Conference. The side ended a 2-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Los Angeles FC and, heading into the final 4 weeks of the regular season, sit 2 points behind fierce rivals New York Red Bulls, who hold the final play-in spot.

With New York City struggling for form at the most critical stage of the season, Sands believes his teammates have the experience to handle the pressure.

"Everyone is a professional at this point. Everyone has been through ups and downs. I don't think the team needs any hand-holding in these tough moments. Everyone is mature and everyone knows exactly what needs to be done. Nobody sugarcoats it when things aren't going well. It's just about being professional and trying to manage games a little better than before. We're not far from getting the results we need, but now we have to take a few steps forward," Sands said.

Opponents Orlando City sit 7 points better off in 7th place, the last of the direct playoff spots. Unbeaten in their last 3 league matches (2 wins, 1 draw), the Florida side gave themselves a confidence boost last time out with a convincing 4-1 win over D.C. United.

"The players are giving everything on the pitch, and the D.C. game was really tough. We had to fight, battle and play our football when we got the chance. Fortunately we won; winning at home was very important. But now it's time to prepare for the next one, which, like every game, is hugely important," said Orlando City interim head coach Martin Perelman.

Players to watch

Orlando City SC – Martín Ojeda

Martín Ojeda scored a superb scorpion kick against D.C. United for his 15th goal of the season. With it, Ojeda reached the 15-goal mark for Orlando in 2 consecutive seasons. Only one other player in club history has achieved that: Cyle Larin, who scored 17 goals in 2015.

New York City FC – Nicolás Fernández Mercau

Nicolás Fernández Mercau's assist on Saturday was his 9th of the season, leaving him behind only Agustín Ojeda (11 assists) on the team. If Fernández Mercau records one more assist, he and Ojeda will become only the second duo in club history to reach double-digit assists in the same regular season, after Santiago Rodríguez and Talles Magno in 2022.

Pre-match notes

NYCFC's 5-0 win over Orlando in March was their second 5-goal victory in the history of the rivalry (the first came in July 2021). NYCFC have also recorded 5-goal wins over D.C. United, FC Cincinnati and Real Salt Lake in MLS history, but Orlando are the only opponent they have beaten by that margin twice.

Meanwhile, the draw with LAFC was New York City FC's 10th in MLS this season, as they continue to struggle to find consistency.