FC Cincinnati Aims for Sixth Straight Win Against NYCFC in Unique Matchup

QUEENS, New York — FC Cincinnati returns to New York this Sunday, May 4, 2025, seeking vengeance against New York City FC after suffering a playoff defeat last fall. Currently riding a five-game winning streak, Cincinnati is poised to secure its fourth consecutive road victory.

This match will take place at Citi Field, an unusual home venue for NYCFC, which normally plays at Yankee Stadium. The field’s narrow dimensions, measuring just 70 feet wide, could impact gameplay significantly.

“We have so many new faces. This will be the first time our group plays on a field with these dimensions,” FC Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan said. “We’ve trained with these dimensions all week, especially focusing on set pieces and quick deliveries to goal.”

Cincinnati, currently at the top of the Eastern Conference table, finally has a full squad available for selection, a first this season. “It’s been challenging, but we are adapting well,” said defender Lukas Engel after training. “The focus is to keep improving and winning.”

With a win, FCC could solidify their position in the league standings, but Engel insists that their task is self-centered. “We are not focused on the table but on winning each match and improving our performance,” he said.

The match marks the first meeting of the season between FC Cincinnati and NYCFC, who faced each other six times last year. In those encounters, Cincinnati secured a 3-2-1 record. Last fall, NYCFC eliminated Cincinnati in a thrilling playoff series after a penalty shootout that ended 6-5.

Sunday’s matchup also presents a chance for Cincinnati’s Head Coach Pat Noonan to reach a coaching milestone. He sits at 199 points and can become the second-fastest coach in MLS history to reach 200 points with a win or a draw.

Conversely, NYCFC has struggled early on this season, sitting ninth in the conference but recently winning two of their last three matches. “We need to find a secondary scoring option,” said NYCFC Head Coach Pascal Jansen. “We have a solid home record, and we aim to maintain that.”

Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET, and fans can watch on the MLS Season Pass, available on Apple TV. Atmosphere will run high with pre-match festivities, including a Star Wars-themed promotion.