3 things we learned from NYCFC's playoff loss to FC Cincinnati

New York City FC is back in the MLS Cup Playoffs after missing last year's postseason.  They started their journey by playing FC Cincinnati in the first match of the Round One Best-of-3 series.  Since the team was on the road, there were some concerns entering the fixture, for TQL Stadium is always a tough place to play.

Still, anything can happen in the playoffs, and NYCFC had a chance to win the first match.  For the most part, Nick Cushing put out a solid Starting XI, with the exception of Maxi Moralez starting on the bench.  In addition, the Boys in Blue beat the Orange and Blue in their last meeting.

Alas, it took just one goal for NYCFC to lose 1-0 to Cincinnati.  Yamil Asad’s header in the second half was the difference in the first fixture.  The Pigeons were clearly outplayed and had a lackluster offensive effort.

It was not an ideal result, but at least there is one more game to play at a minimum.  Hopefully, the Bronx team will force a third.  Before one looks to the future, here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s 1-0 loss.

3 things we learned from the NYCFC playoff loss

1. Nick Cushing’s late subs were not impactful, but why?

When Moralez came on in the second half, he was influential and helpful in the midfield.  However, for some unknown reason, Cushing waited until the 87th minute to substitute Mounsef Bakrar and Jovan Mijatović into the game.  It was clear NYCFC needed the offensive help earlier, especially since Julián Fernández was not the answer when he came on.

By coming on late, the two strikers failed to make a meaningful impact in the match.  Of course, Bakrar was not expected to do so, but perhaps Mijatović would have if he had come on earlier.  The lack of time to get into the game and help the team was part of why the late subs did not work. 

At the same time, the strikers have not played too much.  The lack of playing time could have hurt any quality the players could have offered in the second half.

2. Tayvon Gray’s red card was questionable

In stoppage time of the second half, Tayvon Gray was sent off due to a red card.  The card was given due to his hand’s contact with Luciano Acosta’s face.  It appeared there was contact, but it was weak and might not have hit his face.  More angles are required to view the foul.  It also did not look intentional either.

Still, the red card was given, and it is one of those that would not be worth challenging before the next match.  It was a soft red and should have been a yellow, but the point of view of the referee matters.  It could have gone either way and the way Monday’s referee, Sergii Boiko, managed the fixture, it is not shocking that Gray was sent off.

3. NYCFC must win this weekend

There is a reason the first round is called the Best-of-3 series.  The first team that wins two games moves on in the playoffs.  Therefore, NYCFC must win their home game on Saturday.  A loss would mean that the players can begin their vacations, and for some, look for their next team.

Notably, the Pigeons have done well at home as of late.  They won their two home fixtures at Red Bull Arena and kept up with Inter Miami CF at Yankee Stadium in the 1-1 draw.  They will be at Citi Field this time around, so the venue will be different.  It is still a home game, so the Queens’ team will have that edge.

Plus, the Boys in Blue do not want to end the season on a bad note.  NYCFC must show the fans they are fighting and will not back down despite the not-so-great performance in Cincinnati.  Winning is the only option.