3 things we learned from NYCFC's 4-2 win over Orlando City SC

On Friday, New York City FC celebrated Pride as they welcomed Orlando City SC to Yankee Stadium.  The team wanted to break the three-match losing streak and earn all three points.  The Pigeons did have the upper hand on the Florida side over the last few years, but the visitors were doing decently well on the road.

With that being said, Orlando sat in tenth place entering the game, so on paper this was a team NYCFC should beat.  The Pigeons were also healthy while Orlando had multiple players out due to injury and international duty.  It was also a home fixture, meaning the team had extra help from the fans.  Anything less than three points likely would have led to an angry departure from the stadium.

Thankfully, NYCFC got the job done.  They beat Orlando City 4-2 after playing a superb first and shaky second half.  It can be described as a joyful and sorrowful match, for there was good and bad throughout all 90 minutes plus stoppage time.

Let’s not wait any longer.  Here are three things we learned from the NYCFC win over Orlando City SC.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s 4-2 win

1. Malachi Jones’ injury looks serious

Malachi Jones has been a fantastic draft pick for NYCFC.  The rookie has been doing well with the playing time he has received.  So, when he and Orlando City’s Mason Stajduhar collided around the 17th minute, fear shook the stadium.  The pain the two players were in was entrenched on their faces and how they were holding their legs.  Everyone was worried about both players, for the injuries appeared serious.

Unfortunately for the Orlando keeper, he was carted off with protection on his leg.  In his case, and just watching the film of the collision, it is easy to assume he will be out for a long time.  Of course, he will need the proper medical opinion of a doctor, for the writer of this piece does not have any kind of medical background.  With Jones, he was able to hop off the pitch with support.  His injury also looked serious, but not to the same extent. 

However, head coach Nick Cushing confirmed after the game that Jones went to the hospital, and he believes it is a serious injury.  Fans can expect the winger to miss a lot of time as well.  At the same time, it is okay to hope it is not as bad as it looks. 

2. The halves were night and day for NYCFC… mostly

The way NYCFC played in the first half was superb.  They did not let the injuries shake their performance and scored three of the four goals.  In the second half, it was not the greatest.  Sure, the Pigeons continued to attack, but the issue at hand was that Orlando took over the match.

The Florida team controlled the tempo of the game and became extremely threatening.  That was why they managed to score two goals.  The constant pressure created openings within the NYCFC defense.  Additionally, when the goals were scored, the backline was an absolute mess.  Matt Freese did not help either, for he should have stopped the ball, especially with the second goal. 

Yes, the result ended with all three points.  Still, if this was one of the top teams, like FC Cincinnati, Real Salt Lake, or LAFC, then it is quite possible Friday would have ended differently.  NYCFC was lucky they faced a struggling Orlando side.  There is no question that the visitors outplayed the home team in the second half.  That cannot happen anymore.

1. Mounsef Bakrar should continue to come on as a sub for NYCFC

One could not be happier for Mounsef Bakrar, for the NYCFC striker scored his second goal of the season.  It was also the team’s fourth and final goal of the night right before the whistle blew.  Orlando’s tiresome legs allowed the rather fit substitute to enter the box unopposed.  He took a few steps before curling the ball into the bottom right of the goal.  This was a fantastic shot, and like last time, he was overjoyed with happiness when he ran to Cushing.

With that said, the Algerian should continue to come on a sub.  He has not proven he can score as a starter and has continued to struggle.  If he continues to score after coming off the bench, then this can boost his confidence to where he could start for NYCFC.  Until then, Cushing must be smart and utilize him in the best way.