NYCFC Faces Crucial Dallas Clash Ahead of Leagues Cup Break, Grapples with Key Injury
New York City FC travels to Frisco, Texas, on Friday, July 25, for a pivotal matchup against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium, with kickoff set for 8:30 pm ET. This contest marks the end of a grueling road trip and the final game before a two-week pause for the inaugural Phase One of the Leagues Cup.
The match takes place against a unique backdrop: Toyota Stadium is currently undergoing a substantial $182 million renovation project, scheduled for completion in 2028. For now, the stadium’s seating capacity is limited to 11,500. The forecast calls for clear and sunny conditions, but temperatures are expected to soar to 95°F (35°C) at kickoff. Fans can catch the action on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with English commentary from Josh Eastern and Jamie Watson, and Spanish commentary from Jose Bauz and Ivan Kasanzew. New York City FC fans can also tune in via radio with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence (English) or Roberto Abramowitz and Ariel Judas (Spanish).
This game carries significant weight for NYCFC, representing the culmination of their sixth four-game road trip in club history. More importantly, it’s the last opportunity to secure a result before the team enters a 10-game stretch that will define the remainder of their season. New York City enters the match following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, where, despite taking an early lead, they conceded an equalizer. Despite the draw, NYCFC has secured four points from three consecutive road games, a result one observer described as “not bad.”
Defensively, New York City FC has been a standout, conceding just 26 goals in 23 games – joint-fourth fewest in the league. Only Philadelphia Union (23 goals in 24 games), Austin FC (24 in 22 games), Nashville SC (25 in 24 games), and Vancouver Whitecaps (26 in 23 games) have allowed fewer. However, a significant blow to the team’s prospects arrived with the news that captain Thiago Martins will undergo knee surgery and is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.
In contrast, Dallas has struggled defensively, allowing 41 goals – the seventh-most in MLS. This defensive vulnerability is a key factor in their poor home record of 2W-2D-7L, with only 12 goals scored and 18 conceded at Toyota Stadium. NYCFC, by comparison, has conceded just 10 goals at home. Interestingly, the worst home record in the league currently belongs to CF Montréal, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to New York City FC on June 28th.
Historically, the head-to-head record favors New York City FC, boasting a record of 3 wins, 4 draws, and just 1 loss in eight matches against Dallas. Dallas’s lone victory dates back to 2015, the inaugural season for New York City in the league. Since then, NYCFC has remained undefeated against Dallas, most recently securing a convincing 3-1 victory on April 22, 2023. One analyst noted at the time that the 3-1 scoreline “was ultimately flattering to Dallas,” highlighting the dominance of players like Santi Rodríguez, Magno Sizes, and Gabriel Pereira. “This was the first game this season when it felt like everything was clicking for NYCFC.”
The officiating crew for Friday’s match will be led by referee Jon Freemon, with assistant referees Gerard-Kader Lebuis and Eduardo Jeff. Philip Dujic will serve as the fourth official, while Ismail Elfath will be on VAR duty, assisted by Tom Supple. Both teams will sport new kits: New York City FC will wear their black 24/7 Kits, while Dallas will don their light blue Inferno Kits.
