3 things we learned as NYCFC's win against Real Salt Lake ended the winless run

New York City FC desperately needed a win when they faced their fellow winless side, Real Salt Lake.  The Pigeons had just lost to the New England Revolution in a heartbreaking fashion, and they hoped that they could give their fans at home something to cheer for when the game started a couple of hours later than most are used to.  After all, they were in Mountain Time.

Thankfully, NYCFC won 2-0, ending the seven-game winless streak in Major League Soccer.  Hence, they did not surpass the earlier winless streak this season, which was also seven games. 

Truthfully, it was nowhere near the Pigeons’ best offensive effort.  They only had six shots, with three on target.  However, two of those three ended in the back of the net thanks to Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Luighi.  Then, their defense did not make any errors and held their own despite Real Salt Lake’s 15 shots, with six on target.

Fans can celebrate, but remember, it is only one game.  Still, here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s win in Utah.

Nicolás Fernández Mercau’s goal was superb

Fernández Mercau scored the winning goal, continuing his fantastic season for the Boys in Blue.  He has now scored 15 times in the regular season, scoring some brilliant goals for the club.  But Saturday’s goal might be the best of 2026.

NYCFC had earned a free kick, and usually someone like the Argentine would be considered the player to take it.  However, Agustín Ojeda took the free kick.  Rather than sending the ball into the box, he instead kicked it to his right, where Fernández Mercau stood, waiting without a Salt Lake player to pressure him.

He received the ball and ultimately found his spot before curling it into the upper-right corner.  It looked easy, but clearly it required the technical scoring ability that the Designated Player has.

The goal was absolutely incredible.  NYCFC is lucky that Fernández Mercau is still here.  Rumors of a possible summer departure stole the headlines, but now all of the focus can be on his talent.

NYCFC cannot fall into the trap

While winning for the first time since July is a good thing, the result still does not mean anything if NYCFC goes right back to dropping points.  The pressure to finish the season with consistent, solid results will be high.  That is why the players cannot fall into the trap that all is well.

Newsflash: all is still not well.  Yes, celebrate the win, but also focus on the next match.  Some teams that struggle might fall into the trap that they will win again after earning three points, losing that focus and riding the joy.  Pascal Jansen must ensure that everyone understands the next job, which is to win the Hudson River Derby.

Defense wins games when NYCFC does not make mistakes

As mentioned, the match was not perfect.  The Boys in Blue were not the best offensively when it came to the chances in the final third.  Still, they found a way to score twice, which secured the win.  There is no win, though, without the NYCFC defense.

For the most part, the backline, and really the entire team, were fantastic in keeping Salt Lake from finding the back of the net.  The interceptions, clearances, and blocks were critical in the 90-minute journey to all three points.  Thiago Martins and James Sands’ partnership was rock solid.  The two of them led NYCFC during those periods when the home side was relentless.

Then, when the ball went beyond the backline, Matt Freese also stepped up in a major way.  His six saves, including the amazing double save in the first half, ensured that the team earned a clean sheet.

Moreover, NYCFC did not make mistakes or resort to poor play after the goals were scored.  The Bronx side held on this time, proving that defense can win games, just as long as the self-inflicted errors stay locked away and far away from every player on the pitch.

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