Talles Magno shines as NYCFC beats Querétaro F.C. in the penalty kick shootout

New York City FC began their Leagues Cup journey on Sunday with a smaller crowd than usual on display at Yankee Stadium.  Many fans around Major League Soccer are protesting the tournament, so they did not go to the match.

Still, NYCFC began the group round against Liga MX team Querétaro F.C. in what was expected to be a fun battle.  At the same time, a win from the Pigeons was expected, for they were the stronger side on paper.  The Gallos Blancos are in last place in their league.  Although, only four matches have been played.  At the same time, the highest they have finished in either part of the Liga MX season has been tenth place, illuminating their struggles.

Notably, Nick Cushing rotated the Starting XI again.  It was nice to see Talles Magno on the wings and Julián Fernandez getting his chance on the opposite side.  Luis Barraza also got the start over Matt Freese.  Then, Keaton Parks, Santiago Rodríguez, and Hannes Wolf were not on the team sheet at all.  It was unknown whether it was rest-related, but the next game is not until Monday.  In other words, it was an interesting decision by the head coach.  Did he put out the correct Starting XI?

The lineup did not do the job in regulation, for NYCFC and Querétaro F.C. ended in a 0-0 draw.  However, the Boys in Blue won 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout to earn two points in the group round.

NYCFC beats Querétaro F.C. via penalty kicks

The first half was mostly controlled by NYCFC.  The Pigeons maintained over 66% of the possession and controlled the pace of play.  They were stronger offensively and had some decent chances presented to them.  One of the best opportunities in the first half came when Maxi Moralez had a chance near goal but mishit the ball.  It then fell to Fernandez, who had a chance to put the ball on target.  Instead, his shot sent the ball to the wrong side of the side netting.

The Bronx side continued as the stronger side in the second half, but Querétaro played better.  There were a few shaky moments, but the backline and Barraza managed to do their job.  NYCFC created chances and spent plenty of time around the opposing box.  The players’ main issue was capitalizing and finding the back of the net.  The minutes ticked away, and fans’ concern that they would not win in regulation grew.

As mentioned, it was good to see Magno get the start.  He did well, showing off his fancy feet as he maneuvered and made crazy turns around Querétaro players.  He was an extra help with getting the ball near the goal and had precise passes.  One of his best moments came around the 53rd minute when he ran through opposing players and got the ball to the end line near the goal.  Sadly, Fernandez could not get on the end of that pass either, for he overran it.

Cushing took the Brazilian out in the 70th minute after a superb performance.  The game was still 0-0 at the time, and the Pigeons' goal-scoring struggles continued.  Despite the subs, a goal could not be found.  Instead, the match went into a penalty kick shootout.

Like last year, all games that end in a draw go into a shootout.  The winner earns two points and the losing team ends up with one.  Hence, NYCFC knew they had to at the very least earn two if they wanted to move on to the knockout stages.  FC Cincinnati was on the horizon, and they were unlikely to win on the road.

And guess what?  NYCFC won the shootout.  After three players from each team scored, Kevin Escamilla of Querétaro hit the crossbar.  Jovan Mijatović then converted his penalty kick, and Barraza saved Ronaldo Cisneros’ to win the game.  It stinks they could not win in regulation, but two points is better than one.

Can NYCFC move on with two points?  That will depend on what Cincinnati does.  Perhaps the Pigeons can beat the Ohio team and surprise everyone.  Only time will tell.