NYCFC: 3 things we learned from the tough loss against Minnesota United

1. NYCFC had another great game without goals

Undoubtedly, NYCFC was the better team throughout the 90 minutes plus stoppage time.  The home side had 62.7% of the possession, 19 shots, and five shots on target.  The passing was more consistent and smoother.  The defense, for the most part, had a good night.  The golazo by Ján Greguš was beyond their saving and the late goal by Ménder García before the whistle was just the icing on the cake. 

Alas, the difference in the match was that the Pigeons could not capitalize on their chances.  They could not send the ball into the back of the net. 

The team had good chances too.  While there was no shot, the first-half stoppage-time connection with Moralez and Bakrar should have led to a shot on target or a goal.  In fact, the striker had several chances but could not send them into the goal. 

The best opportunity on the night came around the 76th minute.  Santiago Rodríguez maneuvered around some Minnesota defenders and took his shot.  It was a speedy one, but St. Clair made the save.  Then, the substitute, Julián Fernández, received the rebound and took his shot.  The ball hit the wrong side of the net.  As such, NYCFC remained goalless. 

Again, the Pigeons played well.  They had a dominant performance but still were on the losing end.  It makes sense the new players will need time to adjust, but the inability to score the necessary goals is tiresome.  Maybe the game against Toronto FC was a fluke after all. 

New York City FC is not a bad team.  However, players need to score in order to win all three points.