The NYCFC Coachella Valley Invitational preview: 4 games in California | OneFootball

New York City FC is in the middle of their preseason under new Head Coach Pascal Jansen. Most of the team from last year is still there from last season. So far, there have only been a few major departures like Christian McFarlane and James Sands. Although, Sands is on a loan deal.

There is still time for the team to add players before the season begins, and that is expected to happen. In the meantime, everyone else will continue to prepare for the 2025 campaign. So far, they drew 2-2 against Real Salt Lake and beat the LA Galaxy 2-0.

Next up, NYCFC is heading to the Coachella Valley Invitational, or CVI. The Pigeons will play four matches over the next two weeks. These games will help Jansen figure out his Starting XI and see whether to sign those who are not signed with the club.

So, let's take a look at a brief preview of the CVI games for NYCFC.

NYCFC's Coachella Valley Invitational preview

When will the CVI take place?

NYCFC will participate in the CVI beginning on Wednesday, February 5, and will play the final match on Saturday, February 15.

Where is the CVI?

The CVI takes place in Indio, California at the Empire Polo Club.

Who will NYCFC play against?

NYCFC will face Sporting Kansas City, San Diego FC, St. Louis City SC, and Minnesota United FC. Notably, these are all Western Conference teams.

When are the games?

NYCFC will play Kansas City on Wednesday, February 5 at 6 PM, San Diego on Saturday, February 8 at 3 PM, St. Louis on Wednesday, February 12 at 6 PM, and Minnesota on Saturday, February 15 at 5 PM.

Can NYCFC supporters watch the matches?

NYCFC fans can celebrate since they can watch all four CVI fixtures. All four matches can be streamed on newyorkcityfc.com or the team's YouTube channel. In addition, they will "be shown on linear broadcast TV in New York on FOX affiliate WWOR-TV, channel 9."

Which NYCFC players should fans pay attention to?

NYCFC fans should pay attention to Julián Fernández and Agustín Ojeda. The two wingers were expected to shine in 2024, but sadly that did not occur. They did not get enough playing time to work on their craft. Some believe Nick Cushing might have hindered their development, as he has done to other young players.

Fernández has already scored in the preseason, so everyone should see whether he and Ojeda can grab a few goals between them at the CVI while performing well on the wings. They should both receive more playing time this year, but anything can happen.

Are there any predictions?

It is predicted that NYCFC should win at least two of the four matches. Except for the newcomer San Diego, the other three teams finished last season from sixth to 13th place. Of course, the preseason means nothing, but if the Pigeons can do well, then it will create a positive atmosphere before the 2025 season begins.