3 things we learned from NYCFC's third draw in a row on the road trip

After a comeback draw against Atlanta United FC, New York City FC headed to Florida next to take on Orlando City SC.  The two teams were in fifth and seventh place respectively in the Eastern Conference, which meant this was expected to be another tough road game. 

While NYCFC won the home fixture at Yankee Stadium, Orlando had been on fire since then.  They won four games in a row, scoring 13 goals.  The Bronx team on the other hand was 1-1-2, scoring five goals during that same span.  The road trip was not helpful since they tend to struggle on the road.  Hence, it was unlikely the 4-2 score from last month would happen again.

That was the correct call, for NYCFC and Orlando City did not score as many goals.  The match ended in a 1-1 draw, resulting in the Pigeons’ third draw in a row.

It was not the best game, especially since NYCFC desperately needed the win.  Here are three things we learned from the draw.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s draw with Orlando

1. Was it forgotten that Talles Magno is not a striker?

After his solid performance in the midweek game, everyone expected that Talles Magno would add more minutes under his name.  He came on around the 58th minute.  To everyone’s shock though, he first came on as a striker.  Notably, it was for about ten minutes until Mounsef Bakrar came on, but Nick Cushing still put him up front and center.

Was it forgotten that Magno is not a striker?  Fans thought NYCFC was past this crazy idea and that the Brazilian should always be on the wings.  It was easy to see he was uncomfortable for those ten minutes and was not playing well.  Overall, he did not have as good of a game in Orlando, but one cannot help but wonder whether starting as a striker is to blame.

It does not matter if the time as a striker is short.  NYCFC must ensure Magno is played as a winger. 

2. Strahinja Tanasijević continues to prove he is not the answer for NYCFC

Strahinja Tanasijević once again proved how he is a liability in the backline.  He received a yellow card in the 70th minute after he came on in the 68th and gave Orlando space to go around him.  He was not great during his time on the pitch, and many worried he would have given up a goal.

Thankfully, that did not take place, but most of the backline’s mistakes occurred when he was playing.  It could be a correlation, but this happens too many times.  It might be time to cut the losses with Tanasijević and find another third center-back.

3. NYCFC’s road trip was not successful

NYCFC was desperate for a win in the final match of the road trip.  Of course, that did not happen, and the team ended with their third draw instead.  The fact they could not win against not just Orlando City, but any of the teams, is frustrating. 

The Pigeons only earned three points out of a possible 12.  This is not a good look if the team wants to be more competitive.  Yes, they were on the road, but they should have gotten at least one win.  This is not the same season as last year where they only won once on the road.  They did have the three wins away from home earlier this season, so it is expected they should get a few more this year.

Somehow, NYCFC remains in fifth place.  Charlotte FC is one point behind in sixth.  When the Major League Soccer season resumes after the Leagues Cup. The Pigeons will have a lot of work to do in their final nine games.  Five of those will be at home, so it is vital the ones in New York City end in wins.  Ideally, the club would earn a minimum of 15 to 17 points to end the season.