Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, NY
Broadcast: Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass
Match Overview
New York City FC (4-4-2) hosts FC Cincinnati (7-2-1) in a crucial Eastern Conference showdown at Citi Field. Cincinnati enters the match riding a five-game winning streak, while NYCFC looks to build momentum after a 1-0 victory over Toronto FC last weekend.
Cincinnati sits atop the Eastern Conference standings with 22 points, while NYCFC is currently ninth with 14 points, fighting to stay in playoff contention.
Team Form & Recent Results
New York City FC (4-4-2, 14 points)
- Last 5 Matches: W-L-W-L-L
- Home Record: 3-1-0
- Goals Scored (Avg.): 1.89 per home match
- Goals Conceded (Avg.): 1.3 per match
NYCFC has struggled with consistency, alternating between wins and losses. However, they have been strong at home, winning five of their last six regular-season matches at Citi Field.
FC Cincinnati (7-2-1, 22 points)
- Last 5 Matches: W-W-W-W-W
- Away Record: 3-1-1
- Goals Scored (Avg.): 1.86 per away match
- Goals Conceded (Avg.): 1.2 per match
Cincinnati is on fire, winning five straight matches and sitting one point behind Vancouver Whitecaps in the Supporters’ Shield standings. They have been dominant in tight games, with all five wins coming by one-goal margins.
Key Players to Watch
New York City FC
- Alonso Martínez (FW): Leads NYCFC with six goals, tied for second-most in MLS.
- Hannes Wolf (MF): A creative force with three goals and one assist in his last 10 games.
- Tayvon Gray (RB): Led all MLS defenders in assists last season.
FC Cincinnati
- Kevin Denkey (FW): Scored six goals, including a brace against Sporting Kansas City.
- Evander (MF): Also has six goals, making him a key attacking threat.
- Luciano Acosta (MF): The playmaker has been instrumental in Cincinnati’s attack.
Tactical Breakdown
New York City FC’s Approach
NYCFC, under new manager Pascal Jansen, has focused on developing young talent while maintaining a possession-based style. They will look to control the midfield and exploit Cincinnati’s defense with quick transitions.
FC Cincinnati’s Strategy
Cincinnati thrives on high-pressure play and clinical finishing. They will aim to disrupt NYCFC’s buildup, capitalize on set pieces, and use their speed on the wings to create scoring chances.
Match Prediction & Final Thoughts
Cincinnati’s winning streak and strong away form make them slight favorites, but NYCFC’s home advantage and resilience could make this a tight contest.
MATCH ODDS
New York City FC + 115 Draw + 240 FC Cincinnati + 195
Over 2.5 – 130 Under 2.5 + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 3, 2025
