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MLS Game of the Week

Pirlo, Lampard, Villa, Mix: NYC - Impact Is Compelling

Today's clash in the Bronx features two up-and-down teams that are even on points. It could also featue the debut of NYCFC's full contingent of high-profile stars as Frank Lampard is expected to play.
BY Brian Sciaretta Posted
August 01, 2015
8:00 AM

AMERICAN SOCCER NOW'S MLS game of the week features an important matchup in the Eastern Conference that will play a role in shaping the playoff race. Today New York City FC hosts the Montreal Impact at Yankee Stadium (2pm, MLS Live) with the teams neck and neck in the standings.

New York City FC has been inconsistent for much of the season but it is safe to say that Jason Kreis’ squad is far different now than what it was in March. Andrea Pirlo made his club debut last week in an epic 5-3 win over Orlando. Spanish fullback Angelino is on board, David Villa is on top of his game, and Mix Diskerud should be able to start his first game after the Gold Cup. In addition, Frank Lampard is is expected to make his league debut after suffering a strained calf.

That being said, Montreal holds the upper hand in this playoff race right now. Both teams are at 24 points and tied for the final playoff spot but Montreal has played only 18 games and NYCFC has played 21. A Montreal win would actually put New York in a significant deficit while a New York win is needed to keep if the expansion team hopes to keep pace.

Montreal is coming off a 1-0 win over a sliding Seattle Sounders team but it will need to improve its offense if it wants to contend for a run at MLS Cup. Fortunately for the Impact, help is on the way after signing Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba earlier in the week. Don't look for Drogba tonight, though—the Chelsea legend is hoping to be ready by mid-August to suit up for the Impact.

For this game, however, it is the battle of teams that have had unusual seasons but are both on the upswing. Montreal is coming off a run the CONCACAF Champions League final despite being the worst team in MLS in 2014. New York finally has its high-profile stars ready to go and today's contest should give us a sense of whether the Bronx-based team can contend for MLS Cup.

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