NYCFC's stronger second half results in unacceptable draw with LAFC

Was the game against Los Angeles FC one of the most consequential ones in recent history? Some fans might think so, as New York City FC was desperate for a win. They entered the weekend below the playoff line, and it was easy to be frustrated with the squad. Too many matches saw them drop points due to mistakes or not being able to play for the full 90 minutes.

Anything less than three points on Saturday was not good enough. But in the end, NYCFC could not earn the three points, as the evening ended in a 1-1 draw.

After the midweek loss to Inter Miami CF, there was some rotation in the Starting XI. Luighi and Hannes Wolf started for Alonso Martínez and Bénie Traoré, respectively. Then, Nico Cavallo was replaced by Kevin O’Toole.

Alas, these changes did not aid the team as much as they should. The match ended in a draw, which is unacceptable.

NYCFC and LAFC end the night in a draw

The first half was mostly lackluster and boring from the teams. NYCFC was dead weight in the final third, as they were held to just one shot. They had over 60% of possession, and that helped defensively. Up until the dying minutes, LAFC was held to two shots.

However, the California team was more threatening with the ball, forcing the Boys in Blue to utilize more energy defending. But otherwise, up until the final minutes, the first half had little to no excitement. Both teams limited each other in the final third, and minus some fouls and giveaways, fans were ultimately watching a match of passing.

At least, that was until stoppage time. LAFC was awarded a free kick a few yards from the center of the box. Aiden O’Neill fouled Son Heung-Min, and it was thought the South Korean might take the free kick. Instead, Leo Walta stepped up and swept the ball over the NYCFC wall and into the goal. Matt Freese was stuck in the mud and did not attempt the save.

Not too long after, LAFC had another free kick, right outside the right side of the box. This time, Freese made the save, keeping Walta from scoring again. It stings, though, that the Pigeons allowed a goal right before halftime for the second game in a row.

Meanwhile, it took NYCFC until the 53rd minute to get a shot on target. Tayvon Gray powered his way into the box and fiercely shot the ball toward the goal, but LAFC’s Hugo Lloris made the save. Something awoke in the Pigeons, though, and in the 59th minute, they found the back of the net.

The Queens side had a corner kick, and Nicolás Fernández Mercau curled the ball toward the goal. Andrés Perea saw where the ball was going and ran toward it as it was falling into the box. With pace and power, he made contact and headed it right at Lloris. The power was too much for the goalkeeper, and the ball went through him and into the net.

It was a great goal, but one was not enough. NYCFC knew that and continued to maintain their offensive pressure, which was more prevalent in the second half. But LAFC stood strong defensively, soaking up everything that came their way. Passes were intercepted, and shots were blocked. The Boys in Blue struggled to continue their threats on target.

The visitors caught a whiff of this and began to gain more possession, causing problems for the NYCFC backline. Heung-Min had a huge chance in the 80th minute to put his side in front again, but thankfully, Freese reacted quickly to keep the score level. The South Korean had another chance at the very end of the match, but this time, the post saved Freese.

It really felt like LAFC would score again. Somehow, NYCFC kept that from happening this time. But the problem is that they could not find that second goal. There was some miscommunication that led to missed chances, too, like with Wolf and Talles Magno in stoppage time. Wolf tried to get the Brazilian into a certain spot, but he did not realize it, hurting a possible strong final chance.

In past seasons, a 1-1 draw with LAFC would be great. But not now. Not this year. NYCFC needed three points, and they did not achieve their goal. That is why the match was a failure, and fans should likely start making plans for other things when the postseason begins.

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