3 things we learned from NYCFC's 3-1 win against Nashville SC

The end is near, or at least the regular season is.  New York City FC played their final regular season home game of 2024 against Nashville SC.  With one match remaining after the rare Sunday fixture, the Pigeons knew they had to win.  They are trying to finish as high as possible in the Eastern Conference standings and are chasing fourth place.

The Pigeons knew Nashville would be a difficult opponent, for the Music City team beat them in June.  Plus, the visitors did not have anything to play for other than their pride.  They were eliminated from playoff contention, so that, combined with three matches in nine games for NYCFC, could have been a messy combination.

Thankfully, the team from Queens won 3-1 against the team from Tennessee.  It was an ugly performance at times, but the home team held themselves together to keep the lead.  Goals from Alonso Martínez and Santiago Rodríguez secured the three points.

Luckily, there is a break before Decision Day on October 19, meaning NYCFC can focus on recovery and preparing for CF Montréal.  Until then, here are three things we learned from the team’s win over Nashville SC.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s vital win

1. Santiago Rodríguez was the Man of the Match for NYCFC

Rodríguez was undoubtedly the Man of the Match after the Nashville win.  His two goals were part of the team’s hot start before they switched to a defensive mindset.  Nevertheless, the midfielder never stopped trying to score.  He had five shots with three on target, clearly converting two of them.

Additionally, Rodríguez was fantastic on the wings and when he ventured into the attacking midfield.  He made himself available in the attack but searched for his teammates too.  His second-highest completed passes on the team aided the final third in the offensive effort.  More importantly, Rodríguez helped out in the defense.  He would clear the ball when needed and was never afraid to try and regain possession.  He was the Man of the Match for NYCFC.

2. Matt Freese deserves another shout-out

Once again, NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese had another strong outing.  The lone Nashville goal was from a perfect shot from Hany Mukhtar that most keepers around the league could not save.  Otherwise, the possible Player of the Year for the team was strong between the sticks.

Freese had four saves in the game and numerous vital catches in the box.  He always knew where the Nashville players were, and was not afraid to come off his line.  His goalkeeper intelligence kept NYCFC in front despite the surge from the visitors.

Moreover, he started the team goal that led to the strike from Rodríguez in the first minute.  Without his perfect pass, the sequence to find the Uruguayan would not have occurred, and the Pigeons could be looking at a different outcome.  Freese had a great game for NYCFC, which is why he deserves a shout-out after his performance.

3. Nobody knows what happened before the match began

Before NYCFC fans could enter Red Bull Arena, the gates were closed.  The club announced they were investigating a security concern, but eventually were cleared to let people in.  This led to a delay with the start of the fixture.

Police clearly investigated something, but NYCFC, stadium staff, and the police did not give out information about why there was a security concern.  Truthfully, it would have been the right thing to do, for what if fans had preferred to not attend the match?  If there was an issue with an individual in the stadium, then someone could have vaguely said the security concern surrounded an induvial and that no further information would be provided for privacy reasons. 

At least it did not lead to the postponement of the game or anything terrible.  Still, NYCFC should be transparent with the supporters.  It is the right thing to do.