3 things we learned from NYCFC's horrible loss to the Philadelphia Union

On Wednesday, New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union played each other for the second time this season.  The Pigeons desperately wanted three points after a disappointing draw against D.C. United this past Saturday.

More importantly, the team was on a seven-game winless streak and wanted to end it with a win at home.  On paper, this appeared to be possible.  The Union is not having a good season outside of their Leagues Cup performance.  In addition, NYCFC defeated the visitors at their home earlier this year.

Unfortunately, the expected outcome did not happen.  It was not even close.  Rather, it was a disaster.  Philadelphia beat NYCFC 5-1 after the defense crumbled and opportunities were wasted. 

With so much to discuss, here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s horrible loss to the Philadelphia Union.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s 5-1 loss

1. The defensive collapse was somewhat puzzling

There are probably not too many NYCFC fans who thought the backline would make multiple mistakes or let Philadelphia score five goals.  Alas, that was the case.  Two goals were due to poor defending, one was due to a giveaway by Thiago Martins, another was from a rare Matt Freese mistake, and one was a great header from a corner kick that would have gone in regardless of the defensive play.

Truthfully, the defensive collapse is puzzling.  The backline has been one of the stronger ones in Major League Soccer this season.  They have been plagued with poor mistakes over the last couple of seasons.  Plus, they have allowed late goals and collapses over the last couple of months, especially against the Columbus Crew a few weeks ago. 

The difference was that Columbus began to play better than NYCFC.  In this match, the Pigeons and Union shared spurts of good play.  It can be argued that the Bronx team outplayed the visiting side, but the defense failed to do their job.  One or two goals would be understandable, but five?  This was the worst defensive game of the season.

2. NYCFC missed their chances

As mentioned, NYCFC at times outplayed Philadelphia.  Offensively, they should have scored more goals.  They outshot the Union 26 to 12 and had nine shots on target to the Pennsylvania team’s seven.  Yet, missed opportunities and goalkeeper Andrew Vincent Rick’s seven saves limited the Pigeons to one goal from Alonso Martínez.

Notably, the Philadelphia goalkeeper was not challenged too much in the first half, for he made easy saves.  It was the second half though where he shined and put in the work.  His best save of the night came around the 66th minute when he somehow kept Mounsef Bakrar’s chip attempt out of the goal.  The young player was vital to the Union, and unfortunately a thorn in NYCFC’s side.

At the same time, missed opportunities that should have ended in goals plagued the team.  One example was in the 36th minute.  Tayvon Gray sent a fantastic ball into the box that was right in front of the goal.  Martínez was in a perfect spot to tap the ball in but missed entirely.  Then, Keaton Parks had the perfect chance in the 62nd minute.  He had a clear shot on goal but instead hit the post.

There were more moments like those throughout the match.  Putting the saves aside, if NYCFC would have capitalized on the opportunities they should have scored in, then they likely would have had three or four goals.

3. Nick Cushing is back on the NYCFC hot seat

NYCFC will next face Inter Miami CF.  Currently, it is not easy to see the team winning based on their recent results.  Hence, Nick Cushing is back on the hot seat after the eight-game winless streak, and the calls for his sacking will probably grow after the weekend.

Fans are exhausted from these poor stretches and the head coach’s excuses for the results.  They are tired of hearing the same thing since he took over from Ronny Deila, and that the team is so close.  Sure, the players are at fault for Wednesday’s defensive disaster.  The head coach shares just as much of the blame though.

There is an argument that the regular season is almost over and Cushing should just finish the year to see what he does.  Still, a loss to Miami should be enough for the NYCFC coach to be removed from his position.  Enough is enough.