Things are not looking good for New York City FC ahead of a crucial MLS is Back Tournament match against Orlando City. The club’s head coach Ronny Deila confirmed that their All-Star midfielder Maxi Moralez will be out for this match and is likely facing a lengthy break.
Moralez, who is one of NYCFC’s best players, injured his quad during the 1-0 defeat against Philadelphia Union last week. The full extent of the 33-year-old’s injury will be known after an MRI test, but Deila isn’t optimistic about the outcome.
“As it looks now, he’s out for the game and [could be] out for many weeks,” Delia told reporters in a conference call over the weekend. “Of course, that’s a big setback for us.”
Maxi Moralez has emerged as a key playmaker for New York City FC since joining the club in 2017 from León. Moralez was especially efficient in the last two seasons, racking up 16 goals and 42 assists combined. He has one MLS All-Star appearance and one MLS Best XI selection.
After losing against Philadelphia, NYCFC now must get the win against Orlando City in order to keep alive their hopes of advancing further in the tournament. Orlando, on the other hand, could secure the first place in the group if they get the win.
