3 things we learned from NYCFC's final Leagues Cup game of 2024

It has been mentioned many times, but New York City FC shocked everyone by making the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup.  It was not expected despite the fact the team is doing better in 2024 compared to 2023.  Still, they are not considered a top side and moved on by beating Tigres UANL.  It was one of the best games of the season, but the difficulty of the summer tournament continued in the quarterfinals.

NYCFC faced the Columbus Crew on Saturday in Ohio.  The Pigeons tend to struggle when they play at the Crew’s home stadium, regardless of whether it was the old one or the new one.  Entering the match, some thought the Queens’ team could continue the shock factor and grab the first win in Columbus since 2017.

After a 1-1 draw in regulation, NYCFC and the Crew went into a penalty kick shootout.  The home team outshot them, winning 4-3 via the penalties.  This ended the Leagues Cup run for the Boys in Blue, sending them home to prepare for the return of the Major League Soccer season.

As always, many things can be discussed.  Here are three things we learned from the Leagues Cup battle between NYCFC and the Columbus Crew.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s Leagues Cup exit

1. Alonso Martínez makes history

Before NYCFC could blink, the Pigeons were on top, 1-0.  Alonso Martínez scored the fastest goal in Leagues Cup history in 12 seconds. It was also the fastest goal in the Pigeons’ history.  The commentators on Apple TV kept on saying 14 seconds, but supporters can watch the goal and see that it goes into the goal in 12 seconds.

The Crew started with the ball to begin the game.  However, a mistake while trying to play out of the back allowed the Costa Rican to steal the ball away.  He was near the box and had nobody in front of him.  With ease, he put the ball past Patrick Schulte, securing the lead that would last for most of the first half.

The goal from Martínez was fantastic, but it was a gift.  Columbus dominated from that point on, and it was only a matter of time before they scored, as they did in the 41st minute.  Alas, that goal will be a part of history and will be one supporters remember for a long time.  Will it ever be broken?  It will be difficult, but one never knows.

2. Tayvon Gray has another injury concern

In the Round of 16, there was an injury concern with Tayvon Gray.  It appeared he had hurt his back, played through the pain, and remained hurt after the final whistle.

However, he started the quarterfinal match and was his usual self.  Thankfully, he did not have a back injury and was vital for most of the game against Columbus.  Unfortunately in the second half, he again caused injury concerns.  This time, it involved his ankle, for it seemed he twisted it while he was being fouled by the former NYCFC player, Malte Amundsen.  Yet, like the Tigres match, he stayed on the pitch and played.

The difference this time was that he eventually had to be substituted off during stoppage time of the second half.  As a result, there is the concern that he hurt himself where he could miss time.  Hopefully, it is merely a knock and he will be okay.  Fans will have to wait and see what the prognosis is.

3. It is great that NYCFC made it this far

For the third time in the 2024 Leagues Cup, NYCFC went into a penalty kick shootout.  The last time, they were a perfect seven for seven against the New England Revolution.  Against the Crew, NYCFC only made three of their five, with Maxi Moralez unable to covert his and Santiago Rodríguez sent his high into the stands.  As a result, the Crew won the shootout 4-3, sending NYCFC home.

Let’s take a moment here though.  Not many thought the Pigeons would have made the quarterfinals.  Moreover, despite the domination by Columbus in this game, they still managed to keep the draw, forcing the two sides to decide the match via penalty kicks.

Sure, it would have been nice to move on and have a chance to secure a CONCACAF Champions Cup place.  Still, NYCFC made it this far and did not have to schedule a friendly again before Major League Soccer resumes next weekend.  It was not pretty, but the Pigeons got the results needed to move on two rounds further than last year.  It is difficult to be upset about the result.

More importantly, Rodríguez should not beat himself up over his missed penalty.  It happens.  NYCFC had to falter eventually, and it happened on Saturday.  Again, the players should be proud that they made the quarterfinals.