NYCFC fails to score and loses their final preseason friendly at the CVI

On Saturday, New York City FC played their final game in the Coachella Valley Invitational. After the draw with Los Angeles FC and the loss to Sporting Kansas City, the Pigeons went on to lose 2-0 against the San Jose Earthquakes. As such, the team went 0-2-1 at the CVI and 1-2-2 overall in the preseason.

Like the LAFC match, Head Coach Pascal Jansen went with a normal starting lineup full of the regulars. Aiden O'Neill's minutes were limited, so he only played about a third of the fixture. Since this was the first preseason start for NYCFC's latest signing, Kai Trewin, he partnered with both his fellow Australian and the American in the defensive midfield. He also played in the backline with Thiago Martins, and he only played in the first half.

Additionally, Nicolás Fernández Mercau started and had another decent performance as the number nine player. Still, it is clear that the Boys in Blue desperately need a striker.

NYCFC's scoring struggles highlighted the CVI loss

Although there were some great offensive chances for NYCFC, there were too many that failed to register as a shot on goal. Hannes Wolf had two moments where he should have scored, including in the second half when he had a somewhat open goal at an angle. There was a goal, though, in the first half, but it was called off for a handball.

One of the best chances occurred about two-thirds through the match, when Parks had a few steps where he just had to deal with the San Jose goalkeeper. If he were a striker, then it probably would have been an easy goal. But the midfielder instead sent the ball right at the keeper.

Defensively, NYCFC was not bad, but the Earthquakes did not have too many high-quality shots. Unfortunately, the Boys in Blue gave up a goal to Ousseni Bouda in the 71st minute and then via a penalty kick taken by Niko Tsakiris toward the end of the friendly.

Truthfully, the Pigeons played decently well in the first half and even part of the second half. But San Jose grew into the match and became more threatening toward the end, and NYCFC could not stop them.

Now, some fans might be concerned based on the preseason results. They should not be, since the preseason means nothing when it comes to the regular season. It is also a time for trying new tactics, giving other players chances, and creating chemistry with those new and old on the pitch. Of course, it is legitimate to be concerned about the lack of a striker to start the season. Hopefully, a resolution to not having a number nine will happen as soon as possible.

Moreover, NYCFC has had slow starts to some of their seasons in the past. Also, with two road fixtures to start the year, it is possible the Pigeons will start with two losses. So, the time to be concerned about the whole team is not yet here. Fans can see how the first month goes, and take it from there.