3 things we learned from NYCFC's passionate and crazy derby win over RBNY

New York City FC is continuing the team’s quest to climb up the Eastern Conference standings.  As such, they knew the importance of winning the Hudson River Derby, especially after losing to Inter Miami CF in the middle of the week.  Thankfully, after a bonkers and insane match, the Pigeons beat the New York Red Bulls 3-2, who should really change their name to the New Jersey Red Bulls.

The back-and-forth game was one that fans will likely remember for a long time.  Nicolás Fernández Mercau, Andrés Perea, and Thiago Martins all found the back of the net, with Martins scoring the winning goal.  At the same time, the defense was strong despite giving up two goals.  The first part of the second half, after giving up the second goal, and the final 20 minutes or so, relied on the Boys in Blue to make some critical clearances, interceptions, and blocks.

Moreover, the Hudson River Derby trophy belongs to NYCFC for the second year in a row.  Winning at home and then this weekend means that the Pigeons swept the regular season series and can say without any doubt that New York is blue.  Also, for the moment, they moved up into third place.

There were some great moments, but also some negative ones, in the Hudson River Derby.  Therefore, let’s look at three things that we learned from NYCFC’s win over RBNY.

Concerns about Matt Freese

Matt Freese had zero saves during the game.  However, the goalkeeper was vital against the Red Bulls.  He made important catches, knew when to come off his line, and was not afraid to take any risks.

Unfortunately, his risky move to try to either grab or clear the ball at the end of the first half might have caused him harm.  It appeared his head was the victim of a clash with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.  He stayed on the ground for a few minutes before he was able to get up and enter the locker room for halftime.

At first, things seemed okay for the NYCFC goalkeeper.  However, Freese eventually could not continue and made his way out of the game in the 67th minute.  Alarm bells started going off amongst the fans, and rightfully so.  He is one of the stars and MVPs of the season.  Losing him now, especially with two more games in the regular season, can be dangerous. 

Additionally, Pascal Jansen mentioned in the press conference that everyone will have to wait for Freese’s injury status.  It is unknown whether he will be okay, and there was no confirmation about what the injury was or whether it was to his head. Only time will tell for sure, though.

Thiago Martins was the hero for NYCFC

In the end, Martins was the hero for NYCFC since he scored the game-winner.  The winning goal almost belonged to Perea since it was his header that was saved and bounced off the post.  But Martins was in the right spot at the right time, and pushed the ball into the goal to give the Pigeons the lead in the derby.

This was probably an incredible feeling for the captain, especially after he missed a golden opportunity against Miami.  Plus, the substitution that pulled him out of Wednesday’s match ultimately led to the Herons scoring three more goals. 

More importantly, Martins does not score often, for this was only his second goal for NYCFC.  It came at the perfect time, for there is something magical about scoring in the derby.

NYCFC should have won 4-2

Shortly after the third goal, the Boys in Blue should have had a fourth.  Julián Fernández was called offside after Fernández Mercau scored.  Yet, when rewatching the play, it looked like Fernández was onside when he received the ball.  Hence, the goal should have been good.

It did go to VAR, in which the referee went to the monitor to review.  Afterward, he came back and confirmed the offside call.  Again, that did not look to be correct, which was frustrating since the referee had been poor all night.

At the same time, it might have been correct.  Was it clear and obvious that Fernández was onside and that the NYCFC goal should be given?  It might depend on who is asked.  But the answer, based on that, is no.  It was very close, and that is why the call was not reversed.  But he was onside, and the goal should have been initially given.

Alas, this was another instance in which Major League Soccer needs better technology for onside and offside calls.  The ability to review is not enough.  Other leagues have the ability, so why not here?  NYCFC, RBNY, and all of the other teams deserve that.