3 things we learned after the second-half NYCFC meltdown loss to Philadelphia

On Sunday evening, New York City FC faced the Philadelphia Union for the second time this season. The Pigeons won the opposite fixture and wanted to win the one at home. While they were up 2-0 at halftime, a poor second-half showing, for the second game in a row, led to a 3-2 loss.

It was a story of two halves. Two different chapters. Or maybe two different books. NYCFC was very good in the first half. They did enough to keep a goal-hungry Philadelphia team out. Then, they scored via two penalty kicks. Bénie Traoré and Luighi both scored their first goals for the club.

The second half was another story. It was like NYCFC took a step back in their play, and they struggled to get shots on target, let alone put up a fight. The Union sensed this, and took advantage. They outplayed the home side and broke the defense apart. Three goals were scored, and for the fourth time this season, the Bronx side lost a home game.

If this game feels familiar, then that is because this was another one where the team failed to get the win when they held the advantage. Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s loss.

NYCFC cannot get it done at home

NYCFC was up 2-0 at halftime. With the way they finished the first half, many fans would have thought that they would continue to attack and score another goal or two. Alas, that did not happen, and as mentioned, this was the fourth loss at home. Plus, it was another match where the Boys in Blue failed to hold on and win.

Now, they are 4-4-3 at home in MLS this season. It is a poor home record. Earning only 15 points out of a possible 33 does not win trophies. And it is not like it is 2023, when NYCFC was not a good team and had a not-so-great coach in Nick Cushing. Yes, the injuries have hindered them this year, but even the bench players are better than in years past.

Fans are calling players out on social media, and rightfully so. But everyone must remember the talent is there. The problem at hand is putting out a worthwhile performance for all 90 minutes. But even then, when Philadelphia figured out how to beat NYCFC, Pascal Jansen should have enacted a better tactical plan

Pascal Jansen was at fault

Speaking about the head coach, he was clearly the weaker coach in the second half. Interim Head Coach Ryan Richter was superb at adjusting Philadelphia’s tactics. He also made the right substitutions. But for NYCFC, that was another story.

After giving up the first goal a few minutes into the second half, the Pigeons were not entirely out. They were not playing great, but they still had an edge. So, when Jansen took off Keaton Parks and Jonathan Shore for Máximo Carrizo and Kevin O’Toole, that decision was clearly the wrong one. The midfield weakened significantly, and that allowed the Union to break down the NYCFC backline.

And then, not too long after, the scorers came off, and Malachi Jones and Talles Magno came on. They struggled to be influential in the final third, and Philadelphia scored their second and third goal after these chances.

Hence, these moves by Jansen hurt NYCFC. The midfield changes were especially damaging to any chance of the home side earning all three points. With Parks on a minutes restriction, he could have easily kept Shore on, brought Andrés Perea deeper in the midfield, and then brought on Talles Magno slightly earlier. Instead, that did not happen.

NYCFC has talent in Luighi and Max Murray

For this, the focus is just on the first half. As is known, Luighi scored his first goal via a penalty kick. But his potential for NYCFC was truly shown. His footwork and ability to maneuver around players made his performance a delightful watch. He had four shots, with two on target, and even acted as a provider. The Pigeons have a talent there, and it is too bad he did not play the whole match.

The same can be said about Max Murray’s first-half performance. He was brilliant and worked well with James Sands. He contributed through tackles, blocks, clearances, and so much more. He was composed and looked like a veteran.

Sadly, the second half was another story, and the center-back suffered immensely. He was a major part of why NYCFC lost. However, that shows that he has so much room to grow. He has done well in the Leagues Cup and in the first half against the Union; he should not be punished and declared a bad player because of one bad half.

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