3 things we learned from the superb NYCFC postseason win against FC Cincinnati

On Saturday, New York City FC was back at Citi Field to take on FC Cincinnati.  The teams are facing one another in the Round One Best-of-3 series in the MLS Cup Playoffs.  The Orange and Blue won the first match in Ohio, so the team from Queens wanted to win at home to extend their season.

Nick Cushing put out a strong Starting XI too.  Most of the usual starters were in the lineup, but there were some changes from Monday’s loss.  The head coach put Maxi Moralez back in the midfield after he did not start the first fixture.  Due to Birk Risa’s injury issues where he cannot play to the best of his ability, Justin Haak started as the left center-back.  Finally, due to Tayvon Gray’s red card, Mitja Ilenič played as the right-back.

In the end, the players played much better and performed superbly compared to the first game.  NYCFC beat Cincinnati 3-1.  Alonso Martínez, Thiago Martins, and Santiago Rodríguez scored to force a third matchup.

After the fantastic performance in the first half, NYCFC managed to hold on despite struggling more in the second.  So, here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s win against FC Cincinnati. 

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s 3-1 win

1. NYCFC played two different halves

The first half saw a better performance by NYCFC.  They dominated the Ohio team offensively and in possession.  Martínez and Martins scored brilliant goals in the first 45 minutes, especially Martins.  The Brazilian scored his first goal with the club thanks to a fantastic air header in front of goal.

Rodríguez then scored the final goal in stoppage time of the second half via a penalty kick.  However, Cincinnati came out at halftime energetic, which made things challenging.  Their play improved and at points they dominated.  It was not shocking when they scored their first goal.  There was even a point where some fans wondered whether NYCFC was going to restart their offensive effort. 

Thankfully, there were still attacking periods for NYCFC where it was not terrible.  However, the superb first half made the second half look poor.  Of course, it was not like Monday’s game.  That is why this was a strong performance when all is said and done.

2. Thiago Martins can score goals

Fans have wondered whether Martins would ever score a goal for NYCFC.  The center-back had yet to find the back of the net.  Truthfully, by being a Designated Player, many expected he would score at least a few goals a year.  That did not happen though, at least until Saturday.

Martins scored his first goal after a free kick from Rodríguez.  The midfielder sent the ball into the box, and it bounced off Cincinnati players.  The Brazilian subsequently had the ball fall right to him in front of the goal.  With a high jump, he headed the ball into the back of the net to score what would be the winner. 

Finally, the captain scored a goal for NYCFC.  It took too long, but Martins scored at the perfect time.  Perhaps this will cause the defender to score more in the future.

3. Matt Freese is a hero for NYCFC

Skyscraper Blues has praised Matt Freese many times this season.  Saturday’s fixture was no different, for the goalkeeper had another fantastic performance.  He had four saves on the night, including two critical ones in the 80th and 87th minutes. 

Freese was also laser-focused.  He would only come off his line when needed, except for one blunder he made at the beginning of the second half.  Thankfully, Haak was there to save him.  Otherwise, he saved the backline numerous times by grabbing the ball at the correct moment or clearing it out of the way.

NYCFC is lucky to have the goalkeeper between the sticks.  He is a big reason they will play the third match in the Best-of-3 series.