3 things we learned from NYCFC's superb win against Tigres UANL

New York City FC continued their adventures in the Leagues Cup on Tuesday when they faced Club de Fútbol Tigres de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, or Tigres UANL.  The Liga MX team was one of the favorites to win the entire tournament, while the Pigeons did not have high expectations entering the knockout stage.

Hence, there was a negative sentiment for NYCFC before and as the game began.  Not many fans believed the team would leave Red Bull Arena with a win and move on in the Leagues Cup.

But NYCFC shocked everybody.  The Pigeons beat Tigres 2-1, winning their first game in regulation of the summer tournament.  This also secured a place in the quarterfinals where they will face the Columbus Crew in the next game.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though.  Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s win over Tigres UANL.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s big win

1. Tayvon Gray is a warrior but there are concerns

NYCFC right-back Tayvon Gray had a superb game against Tigres.  He was on fire defensively, making it difficult for opposing players to move around him.  He made critical clearances and was not afraid to put his body on the line.

However, there were concerns around the 80th minute.  It appeared he injured his back, for he was holding it and struggled to get off the ground.  It was thought he would be brought out of the match.  Instead, he played the remainder of the 90 minutes plus stoppage time.  He refused to leave his teammates and battled the pain to help secure the win.

Afterward, Gray found himself on the ground again, enhancing the concerns about the defender.  He probably should have been taken out of the game, especially with any back injury.  Hopefully, the right-back is okay and did not cause any further problems with his continuation of the match.  His defensive work and fight to continue playing make him a warrior, but at what cost?

2. Maxi Moralez continues to play well

Maxi Moralez did not start the game against the New England Revolution, and he was clearly missed as a starter in the Round of 32 Leagues Cup fixture.  Against Tigres, he continued his fantastic performances after returning from his ACL injury a few months ago.

He had a goal and an assist on the night while he directed the midfield.  This aided NYCFC’s ability to move and perform better with the ball and throughout the game.

The 37-year-old is a major reason NYCFC beat Tigres and is moving on.  Moralez continues to play at a high level, making it difficult to not start him.  Of course, he does need more rest and Nick Cushing must be careful with the veteran.  Nonetheless, he should start as many matches as possible as long as he continues to play well.

3. NYCFC is doing better than expected

Truthfully, there are probably many NYCFC fans who did not expect the team to make the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup.  It was not a pretty or easy journey to get to the final eight.  Moreover, the Bronx side played their best game against Tigres UANL, who was their most difficult opponent.

As a result, there are questions about whether the team can actually compete for the trophy.  If NYCFC plays how they did against the Liga MX team, then the answer is an astounding yes.

In the end, regardless of the next result, NYCFC is in the quarterfinals, and that is a great accomplishment.  They will soon need to take this success and transfer it into the rest of the Major League Soccer season, for there are nine games to go.  The end of the regular season must end positively.