NYCFC holds on for the draw after a fun match with the New England Revolution

When New York City FC took the pitch against the New England Revolution, the team knew they had a tough task ahead of them.  The likelihood of beating the Massachusetts team was slim, but they still had to try.  In the end, the match finished in a 1-1 draw.

After tough losses to the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati, which should have ended in a win and at least a draw, respectively, finishing out a game for any points will hopefully help the Pigeons.  They needed a confidence booster, and this was the game that might change the trajectory of the team.

It was an interesting choice that Pascal Jansen did not start Luighi after the forward scored a goal in each of his first two Major League Soccer games.  The Brazilian is showing talent, and they might still be building up his minutes.  However, NYCFC does not have a midweek match this week.

Understandably, there would be some rotation after playing on Wednesday.  But again, certain players should have started against the Revolution, like Luighi and Keaton Parks.  Of course, both ended up on the pitch despite not starting.

NYCFC and New England share the points

NYCFC started slowly, struggling to move into the final third.  Their quality was still on display, especially defensively.  Max Murray tried to redeem his awful performance in the second half against Philadelphia early on, and he had some solid moments.  His 15th-minute interception to prevent a shot and his block in the 22nd minute were vital in initially keeping the Revolution out of goal.

Meanwhile, New England had the best chance to get on the scoresheet first in the 27th minute.  James Sands clearly tackled Peyton Miller in the box, missing the ball.  It was shocking that he did not get a card, but this led to a penalty kick.  Carles Gil stepped up and tried to put the ball past Matt Freese, but the goalkeeper thankfully made the stop.  Moreover, Gil had a shot on the second attempt, and Freese secured a double save. 

Afterward, Sands redeemed himself shortly after with a goal-line clearance.  However, despite the strong defensive effort, the Bronx side went down a goal in the 36th minute.  Former NYCFC player Jack Harrison sent the ball into the box, and Miller was waiting toward the end line.  Dor Turgeman easily slotted the ball into the goal, for there was nothing Freese could do.

Jansen was not happy and quickly made early substitutions.  He took off Jonathan Shore and Tayvon Gray, and put on Mitja Ilenič and Parks.  That made an immediate difference in the attack, for the right-back was better at going forward and the midfielder improved the midfield.  Five of the seven shots from NYCFC in the first half occurred after these changes.

And, in the first minute of stoppage time, the Pigeons leveled the score.  The team had a corner kick, and Nicolás Fernández Mercau sent the ball into the box.  It fell to Talles Magno, who attempted a header.  But rather than going into the goal, the ball fell to Sands, who swept it into the goal.  It was a rare goal from him, and the hope was that the Bronx side would keep up the momentum into the second half.

Instead, New England came out with momentum.  They controlled possession and were more threatening in the attack.  NYCFC had to focus on defending once again, with some chances here and there. 

That did not mean that the Pigeons did not threaten Matt Turner.  Parks had an incredible strike from outside the box that the New England goalkeeper reacted quickly to make the save.  If the ball had gone in, then it would have been a golazo.  There was also the brilliant run and chance from Fernández Mercau, but again, Turner’s save was just as impressive. 

Plus, the quality when NYCFC had the ball was solid, and at times, great.  It also helped that the defense was again doing their job, and this kept the Pigeons in the match. 

But as the game progressed, fans watching from home knew that all it would take was one superb shot or one poor mistake.  The Boys in Blue were close to holding on for a draw and even had opportunities to secure that second goal.  But they needed to close out the game, which they have struggled to do.

Thankfully, when the final whistle blew, fans could finally breathe.  NYCFC held on to earn a point, and that was an accomplishment in itself. 

Sure, there were times that they should have gone ahead.  But the same could be argued for the Revolution.  Both USMNT goalkeepers had good games, and both sides put in a strong effort.  While three points would have been nice, earning a point on the road against a strong team is a good result for NYCFC.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow