3 things we learned from NYCFC's superb win against the Colorado Rapids

On Saturday night, New York City FC welcomed the Colorado Rapids to the Bronx for the fourth game of the season.  The Pigeons entered the fixture unbeaten in their first three matches and won their last two.  Hence, the goal was to remain unbeaten and ideally win their third in a row, and they did!  The Pigeons won 3-1, taking revenge on the team that beat them the last time they played.

Nicolás Fernández Mercau scored a brace, including a brilliant free kick from the outside of the right side of the box that went directly into the goal.  Then, Talles Magno put the cherry on top by scoring the third goal, his first since returning to NYCFC.

It was not always easy, and the Rapids dominated the possession.  They were also threatening in the attack, where they were often around the Pigeons' box.  However, they only had two shots on target, struggling to be clinical in front of the goal, with the exception of their lone goal.  In addition, the Bronx side was strong defensively, where they were disruptive in Colorado’s play.

Overall, it was a good night and a solid win.  Therefore, here are three things we learned from the game between NYCFC and the Colorado Rapids.

Talles Magno needed that goal

Magno is trying his hardest to get back to a form where he can be reliable for NYCFC, either as a starter or off the bench.  He returned from his loan in Brazil ready and willing to play for the Boys in Blue, and Pascal Jansen is happy to give the winger the opportunity. 

So, when he came on as a substitute, the Brazilian was focused and ready to play.  He had some good passes, but his goal was everything that he needed. 

Maxi Moralez found Magno on the run into the box, and he brought the ball toward the goal.  Tricking the goalkeeper, he swept the ball into the right side and exploded in joy.  He needs a confidence boost, and this goal should do that.  Also, the way his teammates celebrated with him, and the way Magno lit up, show how much this meant to everyone.  If NYCFC can get the player to contribute often and become someone Jansen can eventually start, then the team will become more threatening.

Nicolás Fernández Mercau is vital to NYCFC

At this rate, it is obvious that Fernández Mercau is vital to the Boys in Blue.  It was questionable whether he could play in the center-forward position, even in the false nine, but he has done decently well.  Sure, he is best as an attacking midfielder or winger, but so far, the Designated Player has been able to play where he is asked to.

More importantly, he has four goals in four games, including his brace against Colorado.  These are numbers that Alonso Martínez would likely have, so Fernández Mercau is pretty much replacing the injured player’s numbers.  The Argentine is also brilliant on the ball and moves with ease on the pitch.  This is not meant to be mean to the other NYCFC players, but he is probably the best player the club has signed in a long time.

There is the question of whether Fernández Mercau can maintain this level of play throughout the Major League Soccer season.  Since he is human, one could argue the answer is probably no.  Still, he is helping the Pigeons immensely, and like Moralez, betters those around him.  And who knows?  Maybe this is not even his best level of play, and Fernández Mercau will be even better as the season progresses.

NYCFC has the best start since 2018

In many seasons, NYCFC has had slow starts.  It could take a while for the Boys in Blue to get the results that they should, and sometimes it would be frustrating.  But not this season, for the Bronx team is 3-0-1, unbeaten in the first four matches.

Hence, this equals the best start since the 2018 season.  It would take a lot to beat the start from that season, for the team did not lose until the eighth game, going 5-0-2 to start the campaign.  In addition, if fans recall, that season started well, but ended with two wins in their final ten regular-season fixtures.  Yes, they finished in third place in the Eastern Conference, but the end of the year left a bad taste in the supporters’ mouths.

So, ideally that will not happen, and rather NYCFC will be consistent.