3 things we learned from NYCFC's 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati

On Sunday, New York City FC welcomed FC Cincinnati to Queens to play their first matchup of 2025.  The teams met six times in 2024, including the three games during the MLS Cup Playoffs’ Best-of-3 series.  As supporters know, the Pigeons found a way to move on after beating the Orange and Blue in the final game of the series.  This time, despite recent struggles, NYCFC beat Cincinnati, 1-0.

There was no question that the Boys in Blue needed the three points.  They have a busy month ahead of them and are struggling to score.  It was vital that they would adjust and finally break out of the recent rough patch, but a team like Cincinnati would make that difficult.

Of course, it was not easy.  NYCFC was fortunate that Julián Fernández scored early in the ninth minute to give them the early lead.  It would have been nice if they scored more goals, but their strong offensive effort in the first half limited the visitors’ chances.  Then, the second half’s defense secured the point.

What was illuminated by the win?  Here are three things we learned from the match between NYCFC and FC Cincinnati.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s incredible 1-0 win

3. Maybe Alonso Martínez should not take penalty kicks

Alonso Martínez is one of NYCFC’s best players.  The forward has been superb since moving to the striker role last season and continues to score goals.

However, he has attempted four penalty kicks this season and missed two, including the one he was awarded on Sunday.  Martínez sent FC Cincinnati’s goalkeeper the other way, but he hit the ball on the right post.  The Boys in Blue could have gone up 2-0, but instead, the 1-0 score remained in place.

As good as the Costa Rican is, it might be time to consider someone else to take the penalty kicks.  One of the other attacking players should be able to step up.  Maxi Moralez probably should not be the answer since he has missed his fair share.  But someone like Hannes Wolf or Fernández might be able to take over for the time being.  This is something NYCFC should consider.

2. Matt Freese had another good game for NYCFC

Matt Freese continues to be one of the best players for the Pigeons, and Sunday was no different.  The goalkeeper had four saves against the Orange and Blue and made some great ones throughout the fixture.  His 79th-minute save when he came off his line and made himself big to stop Miles Robinson from shooting his chance to draw the game level was the best one of the afternoon.

He was also alert and knew when to come off his line.  He was never caught in a vulnerable spot and ensured that NYCFC was in a position to win.  Freese and his consistency is something other players should learn from.

1. NYCFC can compete with the better teams

By now, some would expect that NYCFC would be playing better under Pascal Jansen.  The struggle to score, regardless of whether they win, is still concerning. 

Still, the win over Cincinnati gives hope that the Pigeons are close to where they need to be.  It also highlights that they can compete with the stronger teams in Major League Soccer.  They did share the points with Inter Miami CF earlier this season and defeated the Philadelphia Union.

The win against the Orange and Blue makes that another top-of-the-table side that NYCFC was able to compete with.  They also were not outplayed by them either, which is a promising sign.  The hope is that this game will lead the team to continue improving their play on the pitch and hopefully score more than one goal.