How did Yankee Stadium pitch size have heavy influence on LAFC vs NYCFC tactics?

New York City FC hosted second-year club Los Angeles FC to the frighteningly cozy confines of Yankee Stadium. The result was a physical 2-2 draw. LAFC’s Carlos Vela scored a late penalty to secure the point, his second goal of the match. NYCFC had goals from record signing Romanian Alexandru Mitrita and Captain Alexander Ring.

The MLS match provided an interesting tactical battle that was heavily influenced by the size of the pitch. The extremely small playing surface magnified the tactical defensive decisions for LAFC. This tactical analysis will look at LAFC’s defensive tactics and use statistics to show how they dominated in xG without dominating possession of the ball.

Lineups

LAFC set out in a 4-3-3 formation with Tyler Miller in goal. Danilo Silva, Walker Zimmermann, Eddie Segura, and Jordan Harvey made up the back line. Mark-Anthony Kaye, Eduard Atuesta, and Latif Blessing made up the midfield trio. Christian Ramirez got the start at center forward flanked by the young Diego Rossi and ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela.

NYCFC countered with a 4-1-4-1 formation with Sean Johnson in goal. Maxime Chanot and Alexander Callens anchored the center of the defence. Ronald Matarrita and Anton Tinnerhold were the full-backs and James Sands sat in front of the back line. Lexandru Mitrita and Valentin Castellanos were the wide midfielders with Ebenezer Ofori and Alexander Ring in the centre. Maxi Moralez was alone up top.

Yankee Stadium pitch size

NYCFC’s home is Major League Baseball’s Yankee Stadium. The football pitch is wedged into the baseball stadium providing the smallest pitch in the league. The dimensions are a short 101m with a narrow width of 64m. For perspective, QPR’s Loftus Road is known for its small pitch size, and measures 102m by 66m.

The Premier League dictates a pitch size of 105m by 68m unless the stadium is unable to accommodate that size. Yankee Stadiums pitch is the absolute FIFA minimum. NYCFC’s pitch is considerably shorter and narrower than standard which had a large tactical influence on the match.

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