NYCFC falls 1-0 in first game of Best-of-3 series against FC Cincinnati

On Monday night, New York City FC began the Round One Best-of-3 series in the MLS Cup Playoffs.  The Pigeons found themselves at TQL Stadium after they fell to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings due to the loss on Decision Day.  As such, they faced FC Cincinnati, who had the home-field advantage, and that was why the Bronx side found themselves on the road.

While NYCFC has won away from home four times this season, the road woes are always ready to haunt them, as seen during the Decision Day loss to CF Montréal.  There was some hope since the team beat Cincinnati during their matchup at Red Bull Arena.

At the same time, Nick Cushing made an interesting choice with his Starting XI.  Andrés Perea started over Maxi Moralez, meaning that Santiago Rodríguez played more in the midfield while still playing on the wings.  Birk Risa also found himself back in the backline over Justin Haak.  The exclusion of Moralez was still the most shocking decision by the head coach, for the Argentine has been vital to the team, and he showed some of his value when he came on as a substitute.

Did the roster changes work though?  Not really, for NYCFC lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati.  It was not the best performance by the Bronx side, but not the worst either.  They need to win on the road though if they get a chance to return to TQL Stadium for a third game.  Of course, they must win the second fixture at home first.

NYCFC loses first game in Best-of-3 series against Cincinnati

Neither team scored in the first half and were solid defensively.  One can make the argument there was a lack of threatening shots on goal, especially for NYCFC.  The game even felt quiet at times.

It was not until the 51st minute that someone scored, and it was the Orange and Blue.  Rodríguez was dispossessed of the ball near the midway point and Cincinnati created the perfect counterattack.  The ball eventually fell to Luciano Acosta, who was on the left side of the pitch near goal.  NYCFC, who was decent in the backline up until that point, was not marking Yamil Asad.  The ball from Acosta fell right to him in front of the goal, and Asad tapped the ball in with his head to secure the lead.

From that point on, the Pigeons struggled to create impactful attacking sequences.  Cincinnati, who outplayed NYCFC in the first half, controlled the fixture even more.  The visitors could not figure out a way to unlock their goal-scoring boots.

It did not help that Tayvon Gray received a red card toward the end of the game either. The right-back lashed out toward Acosta by putting his hand near his opponent's face and made contact. The movement did not appear to be worthy of a red card. It happened after a foul too that went NYCFC's way. Therefore, Mitja Ilenič will get the start in the home fixture.

The result did not go the team’s way, but there were a couple of players who played fairly well.  One of the best players for NYCFC was Kevin O’Toole.  He had quite a few good crosses into the box, predominantly in the first half.  A great example was the cross to Perea around the 39th minute, who immediately made contact with his head.  He could not direct his header on target; instead, the ball went over the bar. 

The left-back was fantastic at going forward too.  The right side of Cincinnati did not faze him at all.  He just did his job to create chances.  Although, in the first half, the Pigeons only had two shots on goal.  O’Toole could only do so much on his end.  Defensively, his performance can be described as solid.  It was the offensive effort though that shined.

When all is said and done, the result was somewhat expected.  However, NYCFC knows they must win this upcoming weekend at Citi Field.  Otherwise, the postseason will come to a close.  They need to play better offensively too.  Six shots and two on target will not cut it. 

At the very least, NYCFC has the recent results at home to look to.  They know they can win, including against Cincinnati.