3 things we learned from NYCFC's loss to D.C. United to extend winless streak

On a beautiful Sunday in Queens, New York City FC hosted D.C. United for another Major League Soccer matchup. The Pigeons were on a quest to win their first game in the league since the win against the Colorado Rapids on March 14. Alas, despite a strong performance against the New York Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup, they could not repeat the performance, losing to D.C. United 2-0.

As such, the winless streak in Major League Soccer remains alive for another week, extending it through seven matches. It was one of those games where the Boys in Blue maintained the majority of the possession, with about 65%, but struggled in the final third to capitalize on opportunities. They had four shots on target, but former NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson was very good on the day.

Otherwise, the shots were lackluster. It must be said, though, that D.C. was good defensively as well, shutting the Queens side down in their hunt for a goal.

Still, the Boys in Blue should have won at home. Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s loss to D.C. United.

There are injury concerns for NYCFC

The loss stinks, but to make matters worse, there are injury concerns. Before NYCFC could take the pitch, Talles Magno was pulled from the starting lineup. The winger was set to make his first MLS start in 2026, but according to the broadcast, he felt tightness in his calf. It is believed that he suffered a knock during the warmups, and Malachi Jones had to start instead.

Then, Aiden O’Neill suffered an injury to his lower leg or foot. He initially played through it, but had to come off in the first half. With the Australian in contention for the World Cup squad, hopefully, he will be okay for the World Cup. But NYCFC would be better to have him available as soon as possible as well.

Getting to the point of feeling numb

As teams fail to win matches, eventually the anger and frustration subsides. It feels like the players rinse and repeat, and after seven games without a win, fans might be getting to that point.

Moreover, if NYCFC continues this terrible streak, then supporters will begin to feel numb. This is part of the cycle of periods of poor results, and certainly, New York Mets fans know this, too. The pain of losing or drawing goes away, and at that point, fans tend to expect not to win. Plus, the Pigeons have been here before.

Now, is everyone numb to the fact, or close to it, that the Queens team lost to D.C. United? Probably not. But the numbers are likely growing in full force.

3 NYCFC defenders caused the first goal

The defensive issues will not go away for NYCFC. Mistakes and poor marking have allowed too many goals, and arguably, those goals are to blame for anywhere from six to nine points lost. And Sunday against D.C. was no different, for the first goal allowed was due to miscommunication and poor marking.

Louis Munteanu found the back of the net thanks to a perfect throw-in that saw the ball fall into the middle of the box. The Pigeons were messy, and during that moment, it was chaotic in front of the goal. So, with ease, the D.C. striker forced the ball beyond Matt Freese.

But this is where things become frustrating. Thiago Martins, Strahinja Tanasijević, and Kai Trewin were all near the player. One of them should have been in front of Munteanu, but instead, they were to the side. It was clear he was someone who could threaten on goal, and the defenders plainly let him score.

NYCFC needs to be better defensively. They should be better defensively. But at this point, sometimes all one can do is shake their head.

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