NYCFC fails to win on the road again as Pigeons and D.C. United finished at 1-1

After traveling by Amtrak the day before, New York City FC took on D.C. United for the second time this season.  The Pigeons won easily 2-0 at home earlier this year but now had to play the team from the District at Audi Field.  They have won there in the past, but it is not easy.

Before the match, fans were treated to good news: Matt Freese was available and in the Starting XI.  He was not on the injury report, but there were concerns about whether he was ready to go.  He suffered an MCL sprain during the Columbus Crew fixture, and there were fears he would be out for the rest of the year.  Thankfully, it was just a sprain.

However, Birk Risa suffered an injury during warmups.  As a result, Strahinja Tanasijević slotted in next to Thiago Martins.  The backup center-back can sometimes be a liability, so there were concerns with him starting.

In the end, NYCFC and D.C. shared the spoils after scoring via penalty kicks to end the night 1-1.  This was not an ideal result, especially after the Boys in Blue’s dominance before the D.C. goal.

NYCFC and D.C. United draw 1-1

NYCFC had a slight edge with possession to start the game, but the teams shared the spells of chances.  They had lackluster opportunities, and really there was not much of a threat by either side.  The players created the attacking sequences, but the defensive players did well.

At least, that was until the 30th minute, when a penalty kick was called.  Pedro Santos brought Kevin O’Toole down in the box after a brilliant pass from Keaton Parks.  The defender had a clear-cut shot, but was impeded by the foul.  With the penalty called, Santiago Rodríguez stepped up to take it.  In the 32nd minute, the midfielder converted the kick by sending the ball down the middle at a slow pace.

Then, D.C. thought they scored the tying goal just a few minutes later.  Gabriel Pirani sent the ball beyond the reach of Freese after a deflection led to it at his feet.  However, VAR suggested that the goal should be reviewed and the referee, Ramy Touchan, went to the monitor.  Christopher McVey was in an offside position when the ball was kicked, which led to the goal being overturned.

In the 45th minute, a goal by Alonso Martínez was immediately called offside.  However, when viewing it on TV, it looked like it was onside.  Like all goals, it was reviewed.  However, it was not suggested for Touchan to review the monitor. It was a close one though, so that can be why.

The game was extremely physical throughout the first half, but in the second half this was even more true.  NYCFC seemed to have more calls against them that should not have been called, and then there were a few questionable no-calls on the Pigeons. 

Alas, there was a clear foul call that was correct after VAR review, again, and that was on James Sands.  He had a late tackle attempt and completely missed the ball.  As a result, the penalty kick was called, and Christian Benteke stepped up to tie the game.  His fast-paced and powerful shot made it impossible for Freese to save, and the game was tied 1-1. 

Despite the dominance beforehand, NYCFC could not get the second goal they needed before D.C. tied the match.  Sure, it was a trade of penalty kicks, but the Pigeons should have been better at shooting on target.  Plus, the home side’s goal sparked something amongst the players.  They started to outplay the Bronx team, maintaining more possession and having more chances on goal. 

Truthfully, without Freese, who knows how the game would have gone.  He made superb saves, totaling seven on the night.  The attacking players did not get the job done, and that is why they are leaving with a mere point.

Once again, the Pigeons could not get a win on the road.  Once again, they failed to score the goals they should have scored.  Once again, they gave up a lead, although it was not a late goal.  NYCFC needs to be better.  This does not look like a team capable of competing in the playoffs.  This is a major problem that Nick Cushing must address before the end of the season.