3 things we learned from the late-earning 1-1 draw between NYCFC and Miami

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the Bronx, New York City FC and Inter Miami CF played for the second time this season.  For the first time in a long time, Yankee Stadium was close to full with over 44,000 in attendance.  Due to the Lionel Messi effect, there was a sea of sky blue and pink in the seats.  There were definitely more sky blue shirts than expected, but it would have been nicer if there were more, for there were too many pink shirts.  It is possible some of the true fans of the Boys in Blue were priced out, for Messi can drive up prices.

Alas, NYCFC knew there was a game to play regardless of how many of their supporters were there.  The pressure was on the team for not only were they playing a top team in Major League Soccer, but they also needed to rebound after Wednesday’s loss.  The Pigeons lost terribly to the Philadelphia Union 5-1 after the worst defensive performance of the year.  A win was necessary, but many wondered whether that would happen.

Sadly, NYCFC did not earn the win, but James Sands scored his first MLS goal in the final minute of the match to secure a 1-1 draw with Inter Miami.  It was better than losing, and the Homegrown player chose a great time to score his first goal.

The winless streak extends to nine games, but perhaps this match will be the spark the Pigeons need.  So, here are three things we learned from the draw with Miami.

3 things we learned from the draw between NYCFC and Inter Miami

1. James Sands brought some light to NYCFC’s winless streak

This recent winless streak feels like it will never end, especially since the Leagues Cup broke up MLS play.  NYCFC has not won a game in their last nine fixtures, last winning in early July.

When Leonardo Campana scored in the 75th minute for Miami, the feeling that NYCFC was going to lose at home again spread amongst the supporters.  The Pigeons were playing well too, so to let in the one goal was a devastating feeling.  So, by the time the game entered the final minutes of stoppage time, many thought that was it.

Instead, NYCFC had a corner kick, and Santiago Rodríguez took it perfectly.  He swept the ball into the box, and Sands was in the right spot.  He headed the ball into the left side of the goal, saving a point for the Bronx team.

The tying goal meant the Pigeons finished the day in another draw.  The winless streak continues, but there was something about this goal that brought light into the streak.  Sands was the hero who ensured the game would not finish in total despair.  Maybe NYCFC will use this goal to spark a run for the rest of the season.

2. The tifo was perfect

Before the game, NYCFC supporters unveiled their tifo in the supporters section.  It was inspired by Barbie. It read, “Don’t be plastic.  Messi sold separately.  Support your local club.”  This was a perfect tifo, for it called out the fans who watch Miami just to watch Messi or only became a fan because of Messi. 

In some ways, it is not the worst thing, for Messi has been bringing more attention to MLS.  At the same time, the amount of people in New York wearing Miami jerseys, especially with Messi on the back, is a little crazy.  Sure, many around the United States cheer for teams elsewhere for different reasons, especially in other football leagues around the world. 

However, the message is that one should not support another soccer team because of one player.  In addition, the idea of saying not to be plastic is a way to call out these fans, saying they are plastic.  Plastic fans are those who are not truly loyal to a club and follow based on success, or in this case, a player.  Many MLS supporters believe Miami will lose many supporters once Messi retires. 

Instead, people should choose to support their local clubs, whether it be their hometown or where they live.  Some fans will support teams outside of their region for different reasons, but if they do, then they must be loyal to that team.  Ideally, especially in the case of soccer, fans will support their local club.

3. The NYCFC defense was much better

This was a much better match by the NYCFC defense.  Yes, they allowed a goal, but the creation and the goal scored by Miami was a brilliant one.  Otherwise, the Pigeons did well with blocking shots and passes.  They made fewer mistakes, and when any were made, someone else in the backline cleaned up the error.

Truthfully, they did well in limiting Miami’s opportunities to create strong attacking plays.  Even Kevin O’Toole and the others limited Messi on the night, for he did not have his strongest performance.  Now, if NYCFC can do that the rest of the season against other teams, and score a few more goals, then maybe the year will end better than expected.