3 things we learned from NYCFC's penalty shootout win over the Revolution

On a windy and rainy evening, New York City FC and the New England Revolution met in the Round of 32 in the Leagues Cup.  The Pigeons were looking to rebound after the terrible 4-2 loss against FC Cincinnati.  They were ahead 2-0 until the 79th minute, and everything collapsed once the Orange and Blue scored their first goal.

Truthfully, supporters would have expected NYCFC to win this fixture.  The Revolution still sits in last place in the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer and is struggling.  They were also without some players due to injury.  Plus, the Bronx team beat them twice in MLS play, including the 1-0 win at Gillette Stadium.

Instead, fans should tear up the paper, for the teams finished regulation in a 1-1 draw, leading to a penalty kick shootout.  NYCFC did not play their best, but somehow they came alive in the penalty shootout.  They scored in all seven rounds, securing a win and a trip to the Round of 16.

There is a good amount to talk about.  Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s game against the New England Revolution.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s win over New England

1. It is nice to see VAR utilized correctly

NYCFC’s Santiago Rodríguez opened the scoring in the 35th minute after a penalty kick was awarded.  His small chip put the Pigeons on the board, and it happened because VAR was utilized correctly.

Initially, the midfielder was brought to the ground in the box, and the referee said it was not a foul.  At first glance, it did not look like a foul on TV either.  However, when the replays were shown, it was clear and obvious that Rodríguez was brought down.  Thankfully, the referee was told to review, he did in a speedy manner, and the penalty was awarded.

Then, VAR was used at the beginning of the second half to check a handball on Agustín Ojeda.  This one revealed his body and arms were in a natural position, and the handball was overturned.

It is nice to see VAR utilized correctly, unlike that infamous Columbus Crew game from June when a controversial penalty kick was given against NYCFC.  There was no doubt this time that errors were made, and VAR was used correctly.

2. The James Sands and Will Sands reunion

James Sands’ brother was recently traded from the Columbus Crew to the New England Revolution.  So, for the first time, Will Sands was on the pitch at the same as his brother.  This was a cool moment, especially since the two grew up in the NYCFC Academy.

It was not for long, but hopefully, the Pigeon Sands will have more games with his brother on the pitch at the same time.  It was also great to see them take a picture together at the end of the match.  The Bronx side might have won, but in the end, they are family.

3. NYCFC did not play their best

There is no question that NYCFC did not play their best.  Without the penalty kick and VAR, they would have lost in regulation.  Still, their difficulty in capitalizing on chances haunted them again.  The 4-2 loss was likely in the back of their minds too, for they were not fully there on the pitch.

The second half was a little better.  Some decent opportunities were created, including the Rodríguez strike in the 75th minute that was saved by New England goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič who barely forced the ball over the bar.  Although, there is a chance it would have hit the bottom on the bar regardless.  Still, it was probably the Pigeons’ best chance of the night.

Of course, the team went into a penalty kick shootout, which was not surprising with their goal-scoring issues.  They were a little lucky that the Revolution’s own struggles impeded their ability to score a second goal.  It was also comical how the two teams went six rounds with everyone scoring in the penalty kick shootout.  It was not until the Revolution’s Mark-Anthony Kaye missed his by hitting the top of the bar in the seventh round that someone finally missed.

The difference was, despite the not-so-great performance, Justin Haak converted his penalty kick to secure NYCFC a spot in the Round of 16.  They will take on Tigres UANL, which will be a difficult match.  If NYCFC plays how they have thus far in the Leagues Cup, then there is no question they will not move on any further.