New York City FC returns to Citi Field for the first time since May to face the New England Revolution on Wednesday night. To learn more about what's new with the Revs since these teams last played on August 23, New York Soccer Journal spoke to Jake Catanese of The Blazing Musket: Here is your New England vs NYCFC preview.
• League Form: L-W-D-W-L
• Record: 11W, 4D, 8L | 37 points, 4th place
• Scoring Leader: Carles Gil, 9 goals
• Assist Leader: Luca Langoni, 6 assists
1. Dániel Gazdag in to provide depth
New York Soccer Journal: New England signed former Philadelphia Union star Dániel Gazdag, who largely struggled in his two seasons with the Columbus Crew. The Hungarian has the ability to be a difference-maker, but how do you see him fitting in at New England?
Jake Catanese: Daniel Gazdag should be the perfect veteran Swiss-Army knife for the Revolution. Ideally, most of his minutes will be spelling Carles Gil late in games, but as a spot starter he can function anywhere in the Top 4 of New England's 4-2-3-1. I am really interested to see how he can combine off the bench with Wilson Harris (or one of Leo Campana/Dor Turgeman when both are healthy) late in games as the primary creator on some late counterattacks as the Revs pile on the goals to close out games. Gazdag is the perfect "best defense is a good offense" kind of substitute, and I think if allowed to push the tempo late in games, he will find something that resembles his form in Philly.
2. Two new young defenders
NYSJ: The Revs also brought in USYNT center-back Joshua Wynder on loan from Benfica. The 21-year-old hasn’t played since February and was listed as out for New England’s game against the LA Galaxy for reasons “Not Due to Injury.” Once Wynder returns, what do you think his role with the Revs will be?
JC: Wynder and QPR loanee Tylon Smith were both brought in on loan this window, and I think it would be great if both got a bunch of minutes at Revs 2 in MLS Next Pro this fall and then essentially become the Revs backup center-back pairing for the spring/sprint season next year. Wynder has already worked with Mitrovic in the USYNT ranks, and I am all for the Revs stockpiling up on youth talent, especially if they're willing to give those prospects legit minutes.
