NYCFC shocks the Leagues Cup after Maxi Moralez leads team to win over Tigres

On Tuesday, New York City FC played in the Round of 16 of the Leagues Cup.  They took on Club de Fútbol Tigres de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, or Tigres UANL.  The Pigeons last faced the Liga MX side in 2020, where they were beaten 5-0 over two games in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Meanwhile, NYCFC was forced to play Tigres at Red Bull Arena.  In a sense, it was supposed to be a home game.  Fans continue to boycott games at their rival’s stadium, so City Blue shirts were not expected to be plentiful.  At the same time, Tigres was considered the host based on seeding and the fact that no away games are played in Mexico.  That is why it was not shocking they had more supporters.

There was no question that NYCFC knew this would be a difficult fixture.  They were also without Birk Risa, who the often criticized Strahinja Tanasijević replaced in the lineup.  Otherwise, the Starting XI was mostly a strong one.

Despite the challenge, NYCFC beat Tigres 2-1, shocking the Leagues Cup.  The Liga MX side was one of the favorites in this summer tournament, and expectations were low for the MLS team.  This is a great accomplishment that no one saw coming.  Well, the players maybe did.

Maxi Moralez leads NYCFC to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup

NYCFC played much better compared to the match against the New England Revolution.  The passes were better and they consistently put themselves in the discussion of play.  Chances were always created but the Pigeons could have done better with taking shots based on their offensive play.  They had 12 shots with five on target.  The difference was that they found the back of the net more than the visiting team.

However, Tigres did score first after the Pigeons’ backline fell asleep.  Guido Pizarro was left unmarked, so when the ball was swept to him in front of the goal, he immediately acted.  The longtime player headed the ball past Matt Freese, putting his team ahead in the 17th minute.

The lead did not last long.  Tigres defenders gave up the ball near their own box, and NYCFC pounced on the gift.  Hannes Wolf and Maxi Moralez were both ready to move the ball, and it was the Argentine who dribbled it into the box.  On a diagonal, he shot the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal, leveling the score.

The NYCFC legend was impressive during the game.  As he always does, Moralez dictated the midfield.  The Pigeons moved more smoothly and with ease.  He also created numerous opportunities for his teammates.

In fact, Moralez was involved in NYCFC’s second goal.  Santiago Rodríguez intercepted the ball after Tigres attempted a fast restart.  He then passed it to Moralez, who passed it back to him.  The Uruguayan had space in front of him and swept the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal in the 65th minute.  His goal was exactly what was needed and he won the match for his team.

Arguably, Moralez was the Man of the Match for NYCFC.  His assist and goal certainly helped, but it was his work in the midfield that allowed the Bronx side to have a stronger performance compared to the Round of 32 game.

Without the Argentine, it is highly likely NYCFC’s Leagues Cup journey would have ended.  Instead, the Pigeons shocked everyone and beat Tigres.  It was not the expected result, but it is a welcomed one.  It was a deserving win.

Maybe this is the spark NYCFC needed as well.  The next game will be just as difficult, for they will play against the Columbus Crew in Columbus.  Regardless of what happens in the next round, the Pigeons can celebrate because they made the quarterfinals and finally won a match in regulation in the Leagues Cup.