NYCFC Colorado Rapids Preview: Six Questions With Hudson River Blue

NEW YORK – This Sunday, Colorado Rapids head to Citi Field in Queens to play New York City FC. Burgundy Wave sat down with Matthew Mangam to preview the match. Matthew writes for Hudson River Blue, a fellow former SB Nation site that covers NYCFC. We asked him six questions to get you ready for Sunday. Also, here’s some betting details.

When: Sunday May 5 @ 2:00 p.m. MDT

Where: Citi Field, Queens, New York

TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Viewing from afar, NYCFC appears to be in a transition period. Nick Cushing’s stock has been up and down. There’s no big name DPs anymore. The Pigeons got off to a bad start but have won three in a row. What are expectations for this season? How are the vibes? 

Heading into this season, the expectations were just to simply make the playoffs. Yes, the team did spend handsomely in the winter transfer window, signing the likes of Jovan Mijatović, Agustín Ojeda, Alonso Martínez and more. But after a disastrous 2023 season, the fanbase lowered its expectations for 2024 after constant disappointment. No one expects NYCFC to finish top three in the Eastern Conference and win the MLS Cup, but making the playoffs is the bare minimum always.

After three straight wins, the vibes are good right now but could be better. Mounsef Bakrar’s struggles has the fanbase split, as some call for his benching and some still support him. If Bakrar can find the back of the net consistently and NYCFC can continue to play well, the vibes will be great.

It always seems like Western Conference teams struggle at NYCFC. They only go play there every 2-3 years. Eastern Conference teams are more familiar with the dimensions, the quality of the infield grass, the lightly, etc. having to play there once a year. What should Rapids fans and players be prepared for, especially with the game being at Citi Field and not Yankees Stadium? 

Rapids fans should be prepared for the weather on Sunday. It is supposed to be cloudy, with a high around 58 degrees. They will also need to get used to the pitch and how it isn’t centered perfectly due to it being a baseball field. Colorado will need to adjust to the size of the pitch and get used to it quickly. As for the difference between Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, I don’t see much of a difference besides the fact that Yankee Stadium is where NYCFC have played the most matches, so there is more familiarity. 

Two people who will know what to expect are first year Rapids head coach Chris Armas and winger Omir Fernandez. What do you remember about hating them when they were with NJRB? (I kid).

Nice to see you calling them New Jersey Red Bulls as well. NYCFC defeated the Red Bulls 1-0 on July 8, 2018, two days after Chris Armas was promoted to head coach, which was a pleasant welcoming gift. NYCFC enjoyed mixed success against Armas and Co., winning and losing two derbies and drawing one. As for Omir Fernandez, he scored the game-winner in both Red Bull wins over NYCFC last season, so of course, I do not like him and want NYCFC to close him down effectively on Sunday.

Santiago Rodríguez appears to be given the keys to the offense. Matt Freese has been solid in goal. What have you liked from those two this season? 

The thing about Santi is that he has played as a winger and as the team’s 10 at times this season. He’s much better as a 10. We’ve seen him really grow and develop as a player and it’s showing currently. He has a team-leading four goals and also has two assists. When he is playing well, the rest of the offense is clicking and flowing effectively.

As for Matt Freese, he could very well be NYCFC’s MVP of the season thus far. He had an excellent performance against Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami, and denied Luis Suarez of many goals despite the one he did score. Freese has come up clutch in almost every game, making huge saves to either keep NYCFC in the game or preserve a lead. Let’s hope he can continue his consistency between the posts.

Got a prediction for us? Omir Fernandez golazo or is this another blowout loss for the Rapids? 

On my NYCFC podcast, I said a 2-1 win for New York with goals from Santi and Ojeda. I wasn’t sure of who the goal scorer would be for Colorado, but I could very well see it being Omir (I hope not). 

Bonus Question: What’s the latest on the soccer-specific stadium? Rapids fans love scran. Can you confirm the Chicken Bucket will be carried over from the Bronx? 

The soccer-specific stadium is approved by the New York City Council, meaning it is technically one step away from completing its procedure, but it is basically confirmed. The stadium is set to open in time for the 2027 season as well. As for the Chicken Bucket, I do not have official confirmation if it will be carried over from the Bronx, but I really hope it does get carried over. I’m sure the club knows the love everyone has for the chicken bucket and will bring it over, hopefully!

NYCFC Colorado Rapids Betting Odds:

Sportsbooks in Colorado like the home side in this one. FanDuel has NYCFC at -135. A draw is +270. A Rapids win is +340. Colorado loses one game and the odds go back to them being heaving underdogs.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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