NYCFC falls to Nashville SC, losing the third-straight match

On a hot and humid Saturday night, New York City FC traveled to Music City to take on Nashville SC.  The pressure was on to ensure the Pigeons did not lose their third match in a row.  Three points was preferred, but some fans would have been okay with a draw as well.

NYCFC supporters were also happy to see that Maxi Moralez was back in the Starting XI.  He had been coming on as a substitute over the last few matches.  He already has two assists this season after assisting on goals against the San Jose Earthquakes and the Columbus Crew.  He played 80 minutes, which was a great sign that he is getting closer to 100%.

In addition, Nick Cushing finally rested Hannes Wolf, opting to go with Agustín Ojeda and Santiago Rodríguez on the wings.  He also started Mounsef Bakrar again, who continues to struggle with his scoring.

While NYCFC’s play was arguably good, they could not find the back of the net.  Nashville SC won 1-0 to cause the Bronx team their third-straight defeat.  This past week was a difficult one after winning eight out of nine previously.

NYCFC loses their third game in a row

NYCFC almost gave up an early goal in the second minute.  The Pigeons appeared not ready to defend and this caused Matt Freese to come off his line.  This created an empty net situation for Tyler Boyd.  However, he sent the ball into the stands, subsequently saving the visitors from an early embarrassment. 

Alas, he would get his goal about 20 minutes later. The home team scored in the 23rd minute. Similar to some of their recent goals given up, NYCFC had another defensive blunder. Mitja Ilenič and Keaton Parks failed to clear the ball near the end line. This allowed Nashville to maintain the possession and created an opportunity. Sam Surridge picked out Boyd, who was right in front of the goal, and headed the ball into the back of the net.

That was the only goal of the night.  Nashville kept the Pigeons off the scoresheet, but the mistakes that led to the goal are why they made it on.  Without that, the match would have ended in a 0-0 draw.  Still, that is all it takes for one team to earn three points and the other none.

It is not like NYCFC was not threatening.  Rather, they had 15 shots.  Unfortunately, none were on target.  There were still ones that could have gone into goal, but they were slightly wide.  One of the best chances came from Rodríguez in the 73rd minute.  If the shot was on target, then there is no question it would have gone in.  Instead, the ball was wide by inches.

Moreover, the Pigeons played beautiful football.  The passing was crisp and smooth, while they easily moved up the pitch with ease.  Moralez was easily the player of the game, for he did his job by creating chances and controlling the midfield.  The issue was that nobody could produce that clinical finish.

This was not an ideal week for NYCFC.  With multiple road fixtures on the horizon, the team must get back into gear.