Alonso Martínez scores brace but NYCFC and Chicago Fire FC share points in 2-2 draw

On Saturday evening, New York City FC resumed the Major League Soccer season after an unexpectedly solid Leagues Cup run. The Queens team made the quarterfinals of the summer tournament, losing to the Columbus Crew in a penalty kick shootout. It was not the worst team to lose to since the Crew will play in the finals on Sunday.

While NYCFC can be proud of their run, the focus is now on MLS. They started the first of the nine remaining games against Chicago Fire FC. The two teams met in July and shared the points in the first fixture. This time around, the Boys in Blue wanted to secure all three points.

It helped that Nick Cushing put out what is currently their best Starting XI. Plus, Birk Risa was healthy enough to start, so that enhanced the backline. The question was this: could they win as they should on paper and give the kids something to celebrate on Kids Night? Or, would the Fire shock them?

In the end, the result was not great. NYCFC and Chicago finished the night with a 2-2 draw, with the visitors climbing back to steal a point.

Alonso Martínez shines but NYCFC could not hold on and win

NYCFC started the match on fire, with no pun attended. They dominated most of the play in the first 14 minutes, creating chances near the goal. While threatening, they struggled to create a clear-cut chance due to the defensive work by the Fire.

It did not take long though, for NYCFC's hero Alonso Martínez scored the opening goal in the 15th minute. The forward took a shot from outside the box, slotting the ball home into the bottom right corner of the goal. He had plenty of space but truthfully it was a well-taken shot. The power and accuracy assured he would score.

The Costa Rican was not done though. In the 22nd minute, he scored his brace. Santiago Rodríguez sent the ball to Keaton Parks in the middle of the box, who retained control, allowing the ball to fall to Martínez. He sent it high into the goal to score his tenth of the season.

The Pigeons continued to dominate throughout the game, controlling almost 60% of the possession. They had 12 shots with four on target as well. They should have had more. NYCFC created chances that caused the visitor's defense to work in overdrive, reducing the shots. Credit must be given when due, for there is no question the score would have been different without the Fire's backline. They kept their team in the match, and eventually, they got on the scoresheet.

Matt Freese failed to secure his clean sheet after a 78th-minute goal from Hugo Cuypers. The Chicago striker scored a striker's goal, where he maneuvered around the NYCFC defenders with ease and put his team on the board.

To make matters worse, Chicago earned a penalty kick in stoppage time in the second half. Tayvon Gray clearly made himself bigger in the box, leading to the handball call. Brian Gutiérrez stepped up to take the penalty kick and scored to earn the 2-2 draw.

This was not the result NYCFC wanted or needed. Drawing at home to a struggling Chicago side, especially when they outplayed them for most of the game, is extremely disappointing. Of course, the loss of points is on Gray, which was an unfortunate mistake. Still, with how the team played, they should have scored another goal or two.

Meanwhile, Martínez might have come to NYCFC as a winger, but he has proved he can play as a striker. Unlike Talles Magno, who should have never played as a striker, the Costa Rican is someone who can continue to be utilized in such a position. It would be nice for the traditional strikers on the roster to also become difference-makers. If that were to happen, then the Pigeons would be extremely threatening.

Alas, NYCFC has to hold on to their leads. The team might have their striker but they need to win when they are ahead and at home.