Chris Armas and Omir Fernandez Homecoming

NEW YORK – It’s Chris Armas and Omir Fernandez homecoming weekend as Colorado Rapids play at NYCFC Sunday afternoon at Citi Field. Armas coached New York Red Bulls from 2015-2020 as an assistant and head coach. Fernandez is a former RBNY Homegrown, and was with the first team from 2019-2023. What are the New Yorkers expecting this weekend? How can they prepare the rest of the Rapids for a soccer game at Citi Field.

Firstly, this could be the only game this season Colorado maxes out on their ticket requests. Armas and Fernandez still have friends and family in the New York area.

“I’m going to ask for at least 30 tickets. I have at least 30 people that are coming. If the timing is right, old teammates of mine are going to come. (RBNY’s) game is on Saturday, our game is on Sunday. It could even be more than 30,” the winger told Burgundy Wave midweek.

With the game in Queens and not the Bronx, Armas’ Aldephi University connections will have an easier drive from Long Island. RBNY play on the Saturday and will be home in time for the game on Sunday. Armas told Burgundy Wave he’ll have about 65 people in attendance. So there could be an entire #NYisRed section.

“We know we have a little extra noise in the crowd. Whether we hear that or not. We know that they’re there. That’s cool for (Armas and Fernandez) but also us as a whole,” Captain Keegan Rosenberry said.

For all the homecoming narratives, Armas isn’t having it. He wants a result.

“To be honest, I’m most excited that we have another game. In many ways, when I go back home, it’s tougher. You get pulled in a lot of different ways. It’s not simple. I like simplicity. I’m sure there will be a moment when I’m standing there and I have a lot of people that are there for me, and I’m in New York City, that makes my family proud. But it’s the last thing on my mind.”

Fernandez and Armas have prepared the rest of the team for playing soccer on a baseball diamond. It is worth noting that Citi Field has never hosted a Hudson River Derby. Armas and Fernandez have only ever been to Yankees Stadium.

“It’s always been at Yankees Stadium in the Bronx. We’ve gotten the dimensions. Having coached in those game, I know what they can look like,” said Armas.

“Chris did mention his experience there and winning 7-0. Really small things about the way the game feels. It’s tighter. It’s much smaller. The way that they would like to play. Preparation we would do for any team but more specific to the dimensions this week,” added Rosenberry.

“We always had to speak about the dimensions of the field. We’re going to implement those things. I haven’t played at Citi Field. I’ve played against New York City. I know what they want to do, especially at home,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez does have a history with NYCFC. Twice he’s scored the only two goal in 1-0 wins over the Pigeons. The 25-year-old is still waiting for his first goal contribution of the year. This might be the game to do it.

“That’s what I was talking to my dad about, ‘it would be amazing to score my first goal for Colorado at New York City.’ Go back and win and take care of New York. It doesn’t have to be a banger. Just to score, I’m really excited about that game just to go back (home) and play them.”

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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