3 things we learned as NYCFC secures comeback draw against LAFC

Los Angeles FC is never an easy team to face. With players like superstar Son Heung-min, New York City FC knew they had a tough job ahead of them. The Pigeons desperately needed three points, but unfortunately, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Queens side struggled in the first half offensively, and played a lackluster game. And after LAFC scored from a brilliant free kick by Leo Walta, it felt like the match would be one that the home side would lose.

However, the players had a different idea. NYCFC came out for the second half ready to give their all, improving their work in the final third. That led to Andrés Perea scoring from a corner kick. He headed the ball so powerfully that Hugo Lloris could not stop it. It was a great goal, and the Pigeons continued to threaten LAFC. The issue was that they could not score that second goal.

As such, the match was not successful, and the comeback draw meant nothing at this time. NYCFC is getting closer to not making the playoffs, but what did we learn from the match?

NYCFC’s draw is not good enough

Entering the game, NYCFC sat in tenth place in the Eastern Conference. Now, after the draw, they sit in eleventh place. A win would have tied them on points with the New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati, and Toronto FC. And they would at least have been in ninth place for the time being.

It has been said over and over that anything less than a win was not good enough. Sure, in other years, a comeback draw would have been okay. But the Bronx side needs to win, and they are capable of doing so. For some reason, the talent on the roster cannot seem to figure out how to do so.

Yes, NYCFC redeemed themselves by getting the draw. But not only did this hurt their postseason chances, but it was also another home fixture without a win. So yes, the draw was not good enough.

A tale of two halves

If one wants to focus on the positives, then they can look at the tale of two halves. As mentioned, NYCFC was awful offensively in the first half. They only had one shot and were extremely lackluster in their play.

But in the second half, the Boys in Blue had 13 shots with four on target. They were much better in their overall play, which is why Perea scored. They were also solid defensively and controlled the pace of play for most of the 45 minutes. Of course, it would have been better if they had scored another goal.

One might hope that the goal will act as a spark as well. Sadly, that is unlikely to be the case.

NYCFC is unofficially eliminated from the postseason

When all is said and done, NYCFC is not making the postseason in 2026. No, they have not been officially eliminated. However, the Boys in Blue’s current trend makes it seem like winning is impossible. Even though they are only a couple of points behind the eighth and ninth-place spots, it is easy to believe that their season is done.

For starters, they are going back on the road next week to face Orlando City SC. Fans will remember that NYCFC beat the Lions 5-0 back in March. But this is not the same Orlando team. The Florida side, who is in seventh place, has been slightly better with Antoine Griezmann on the team. It has not been a crazy turnaround like the Philadelphia Union's season, but they have been beating those they are expected to beat.

Then, even though the final three games are against teams that are below NYCFC in the standings, that means nothing. Look at what happened against Atlanta United FC. The Pigeons were in front, but shared the points in a draw.

So, start making plans for after Decision Day. 2026 has just been awful.

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