Pascal Jansen is crediting his New York City FC team’s defensive fortitude for their current run of success. Ahead of their match against D.C. United, the coach points to the team’s aggressive style and the return of captain Thiago Martins as key to maintaining their winning ways. Meanwhile, D.C. United will look to Jackson Hopkins to continue his scoring streak and upset the odds against a strong NYCFC side.
New York City FC is riding high on a wave of success, and head coach Pascal Jansen is quick to credit his team's defensive solidity as a key factor. The team's impressive three-game winning streak in Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen them overcome formidable opponents, showcasing a resilience that Jansen believes will be crucial as they prepare to face D.C. United.
NYCFC's recent victories include triumphs over FC Cincinnati and Nashville SC, two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. These wins, following a thrilling 4-3 victory against FC Dallas, demonstrate the team's ability to perform under pressure and secure crucial points. Jansen's emphasis on defensive organization has been instrumental in these successes, transforming NYCFC into a tough team to break down.
The statistics speak for themselves: only the Philadelphia Union, with 26 goals conceded, have a better defensive record than NYCFC (30 goals conceded) in the Eastern Conference. The return of captain Thiago Martins in the last game provided a further boost to the team's defensive capabilities. Martins' leadership and experience at the back are invaluable, and his presence has instilled a sense of confidence throughout the team.
Jansen is convinced that maintaining their defensive aggressiveness will be the key to extending their winning run, especially as they prepare for their upcoming match against D.C. United. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and disciplined, ensuring that the team remains difficult to penetrate. Jansen's tactical approach focuses on creating a solid defensive foundation upon which the team can build their attacks.
"That is one of our qualities as a team. That is what defines us. Being on top of things, being aggressive and switched on," Jansen said following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cincinnati. His words highlight the team's commitment to maintaining a high level of intensity and focus throughout each game. This unwavering dedication to defensive excellence has become a hallmark of NYCFC's recent performances.
Jansen also praised the players' execution of the game plan against Cincinnati, noting that their diligence and adherence to the tactical instructions were crucial to securing the win. He believes that their ability to control the game's tempo and maintain a strong defensive shape allowed them to build momentum and ultimately achieve a positive result. The coach also lauded the medical staff for the timely return of their captain, Thiago Martins.
"That was a part of our focus and a part of our plan against Cincinnati, and they [the players] did it quite well and it helped us get to a good level in the game and build from there," Jansen explained. He acknowledged that the players' commitment to the defensive strategy was essential for the team's success against a tough opponent.
"Thiago is our captain, a huge piece of our team. It is a big thumbs up to the medical staff for allowing Thiago to play 90 minutes after coming back from surgery just four weeks ago," Jansen added, highlighting the importance of Martins' presence and the medical team's efforts in ensuring his swift recovery. Martins' return has undoubtedly strengthened the team's defensive capabilities and provided a significant boost to team morale.
"It helped us, like I said he is a huge part of our team," Jansen concluded, emphasizing the pivotal role that Martins plays both on and off the field. His leadership and experience are invaluable assets to the team, and his presence has a positive impact on the overall performance of the squad.
Back on home soil pic.twitter.com/JCRNLqgkrB
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) August 27, 2025
Looking ahead, NYCFC will face a D.C. United side that is currently struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. D.C.'s last league win came on May 31 against Cincinnati, and they will be eager to turn their fortunes around. However, they have shown some signs of improvement, drawing their previous two fixtures, including an impressive 1-1 draw against Leagues Cup finalists Inter Miami. Even with the recent positive results, they are still struggling on the defensive end.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New York City FC – Alonso Martinez
Alonso Martinez has been a standout performer for NYCFC this season, leading the club with an impressive 14 goals. His attacking prowess and ability to find the back of the net make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Martinez's achievement of scoring 30 league goals in 52 matches places him among the elite goalscorers in NYCFC history. He is the third player to reach this milestone, following in the footsteps of legends like David Villa (48 games) and Valentin Castellanos (83 matches).
D.C. United – Jackson Hopkins
Jackson Hopkins has emerged as a key player for D.C. United, scoring the team's lone goal in each of their last two matches. His ability to find the net in crucial moments makes him a valuable asset to the team.
If Hopkins scores against NYCFC, he would become the youngest D.C. player (21 years, 60 days on Saturday) to score in three straight league matches, surpassing Alecko Eskardarian's record of 21 years and 360 days. This achievement would solidify his status as a rising star in MLS.
MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK CITY FC WIN
D.C. United are currently enduring a difficult spell, winless in their last 11 matches (drawn three, lost eight). This is their fourth single-season winless streak of more than 10 games in league play since the beginning of 2013, the most by any MLS team in that time. Their struggles highlight the challenges they face in finding consistency and securing positive results.
NYCFC, on the other hand, have been dominant at home, not drawing any of their last 19 home matches in all competitions, a streak that began in October 2024. This impressive record demonstrates their ability to control games on their own turf and consistently secure victories.
In fact, every other MLS team has had at least two draws at home in 2025 in all competitions, further emphasizing NYCFC's exceptional home form. Their ability to convert home advantage into positive results is a key factor in their success this season.
NYCFC also boasts a strong record against D.C. United at home, with just one loss (eight wins, two draws) in their 11 home matches against them (all in the regular season). This historical dominance gives them a psychological advantage heading into the upcoming match.
Furthermore, NYCFC have outscored D.C. United 29-10 in those matches, scoring multiple goals in five of the last six meetings. Their attacking prowess and ability to consistently find the back of the net make them a formidable opponent for D.C. United.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New York City FC – 64.0%
Draw – 19.2%
D.C. United – 16.8%