NYCFC stays alive in the playoffs after 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati

For the first time since the Inter Miami CF draw, New York City FC was back in one of their baseball stadiums. The Pigeons played the second game of the Round One Best-of-3 series of the MLS Cup Playoffs at Citi Field.  Due to the Yankees being in the World Series, Yankee Stadium was unavailable.  However, the team was able to schedule at Citi Field and was not forced to host at Red Bull Arena. 

In the first game away from home, NYCFC lost to FC Cincinnati 1-0.  It was a terrible offensive game and the Pigeons knew they had to play better.  The pressure was on to win at home and force a third game.  Otherwise, the Boys in Blue would be out of the postseason.

Thankfully, Nick Cushing started Maxi Moralez after he was on the bench in the last game.  He was missed before he came on as a substitute in the second half.  Fans hoped his addition would spark something special.  Plus, there were two other changes.  Justin Haak was back in the lineup for Birk Risa while Mitja Ilenič was in for Tayvon Gray, who was suspended due to a red card.

NYCFC had a much better match this time around, for they will play at least one more game.  The Boys in Blue won 3-1 to stay alive in the playoffs.

NYCFC secures a win to play another postseason game

It was immediately evident that NYCFC was playing better.  Moralez in the midfield was a huge factor, but overall everyone had a stronger performance.  Hence, it was not shocking that the Pigeons ended up on the scoresheet first. 

In the 22nd minute, Alonso Martínez found Mitja Ilenič after Moralez let the ball fall to the right-back.  The defender quickly sent the ball back to Martínez, who was in the center of the box.  With one touch, he struck the fall into the back of the net.  The power was too much for Cincinnati’s goalkeeper, Roman Celentano. 

That was not the only goal in the first half.  The Pigeons were awarded a free kick, which Santiago Rodríguez took and sent the ball flying into the box.  It bounced off a few Orange and Blue players before falling to Thiago Martins.  The Brazilian had plenty of room in front of him and headed the ball into the goal to put his team up 2-0 in the 40th minute.  This was the center-back’s first goal for the club, and it could not come at a better time.

Although, Cincinnati improved their play in the second half. They increased their possession and offensive chances.  NYCFC’s energy from the first 45 minutes died down. As a result, they had to play more defensively, which was a little concerning.  There is that old saying that 2-0 is the most dangerous score in soccer, so the nerves continued to grow.

There was a reason too.  The visitors continued to become more threatening and finally got their first goal in the 65th minute.  Luca Orellano scored a golazo from outside of the box to cut the deficit in half. 

Luckily, NYCFC managed to hang on defensively and keep Cincinnati from scoring a second.  The Pigeons were even lucky too, for they earned a penalty kick in stoppage time.  Rodríguez, who won the kick, scored to make it 3-1 and take away any last chance of the Ohio team tying the fixture. 

Meanwhile, Matt Freese was vital to the Pigeons.  He had four saves during the match.  His best one came in the 80th on a shot by Teenage Hadebe.  The goalkeeper had to react quickly by getting to the ground to keep Cincinnati from getting their second.

Unquestionably, the second half of the match was not as strong.  NYCFC still won to force another game.  Of course, that will be back in Ohio.  The Pigeons must ensure the road woes stay away from them to have a chance at moving on.