New York City FC head coach Pascal Jansen believes lack of availability has been the main reason for his side's struggles this season.

NYCFC were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend after a 1-1 draw with Eastern Conference bottom side CF Montreal.

Jansen's side took the lead through Andres Perea but conceded a 91st-minute equaliser to leave them four points adrift of the playoffs ahead of Decision Day, when they face D.C. United.

This comes after NYCFC made a strong run in the 2025 postseason, reaching the conference finals before losing to eventual MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

When asked about the biggest difference between the NYCFC squad in 2025 and 2026, Jansen said: "I would say availability. That is the main thing.

"So, throughout the season, our availability rate has been way lower than last season. It's about 92% last season of availability, and this year we're in and around 70%, 75%. That has a significant impact on the roster.

"Obviously, we have done our homework, made our analysis. We have to learn from this season, going forward.

"Availability is a very important aspect in how we proceed going forward, making sure that the recruitment is in a decent spot. Making sure that we see enough progress from the individual players that we want to keep on board.

"And especially making sure that we keep the availability rate as high as possible so you can always put your best team out there."

Celestes, thank you for showing up and showing out at home all season long  https://t.co/yRzS0CZvvb

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) November 4, 2026

D.C. United were already out of playoff contention before a 3-0 loss to the Columbus Crew last time out.

They are 14th in the East, six points behind NYCFC.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

D.C. United – Tai Baribo

Tai Baribo has scored nine of D.C.'s 19 home goals (excluding own goals) during the 2026 regular season.

Since the return from the World Cup break, D.C. players have scored eight goals at home, with five of those being scored by Baribo.

New York City FC – Nicolas Fernandez Mercau

Nicolas Fernandez Mercau provided his 27th goal contribution of 2026 (16 goals, 11 assists) with an assist last weekend against Montreal, tying for the second-most goal contributions in a single regular season by a NYCFC player.

David Villa had 31 in 2017.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

NYCFC have dropped 23 points from winning positions this season, tied for second-most in MLS, with only FC Cincinnati dropping more (24). It is New York City's most points dropped from winning positions in a single regular season.

Entering Decision Day, D.C. are riding a five-game losing streak, their second regular-season losing streak of at least five games over the last two seasons. D.C. have not lost six straight MLS games since June-July 2017.

D.C. have won each of the last two regular-season meetings with NYCFC, including a 2-0 win in May.

It is the first time D.C. have won consecutive matches in the fixture, while May's win was United's second shutout victory ever against NYCFC (also Decision Day in 2023).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

D.C. United – 33.8%

Draw – 25.7%

New York City FC – 40.5%