Post-Match Recap: New York City FC vs. Montreal Impact – 3/18/17

New York City FC will be disappointed to drop 2 points at home as they drew 1-1 with the Montreal Impact. The hosts created the better of the chances throughout the game but were simply not able to finish the chances that they had.

The Goals

44’ New York City – Jack Harrison was isolated with Ambroise Oyongo on the right flank and used a combination of step-overs and a cut-back inside to free up space for the cross. His pass finds Ring whose shot is saved by the keeper but Rodney Wallace is there to tap in the rebound.

68’ Montreal – Montreal find the equalizer against the run of play as an over-the-top ball finds Dominic Oduro whose first touch is well taken and slotted past Johnson.

Player  Of The Match

Jack Harrison was the driving force of the team moving forward throughout the entirety of the match. Harrison was unable to put away a golden opportunity just 3′ into the match, but he ended the game with 3 chances created. Harrison’s ability to take defenders on one-on-one and find a pass was on full display all match, particularly in the buildup to the first goal that Wallace put away. Harrison gave Oyongo, one of the better fullbacks in Major League Soccer, fits throughout the entire afternoon.

Game Summary

NYCFC created the better chances in the first-half and were rewarded with the goal just before halftime. Harrison had a golden opportunity just 3’ into the game as David Villa found him right at the 6 yard box but he shot fired over the bar. In the 18’, Harrison was able to setup Alex Ring who misfired from 8 yards out. Villa and Rodney Wallace connected beautifully on 1-2, with Villa’s chip just going wide in the 26’. The goal eventually came in the 44’ when Harrison, again, whipped in a dangerous cross after beating Oyongo. Ring’s shot was saved by the keeper and Wallace tapped in the rebound.

Montreal were much more dangerous and direct in the second half and played more like the team that we were expecting to see from kickoff. NYCFC had an opportunity to take a commanding two goal lead in the 64’ when a crucial tackle by Moralez set the team off on a dangerous counter. The ball eventually found Wallace who played it back across to a free Moralez who dragged it wide. Just 4’ later, Dominic Oduro is able to equalize against the run of play after an over-the-top ball finds him and he’s able to slot it past Johnson. NYCFC had an opportunity to grab all three points when a Pirlo free kick in the 92’ finds McNamara on the back post, but he misfired.

Next Up: San Jose

NYCFC will look to bounce back on Saturday, April 1st when the San Jose Earthquakes take a visit to Yankee Stadium. San Jose has had a bright start to the season with two wins in just as many games. San Jose has been one of the surprises of the season thus far. Watch out for Anibal Godoy, who has netted two game-winning goals for the visitors and is leading MLS in successful passes and duels won. Expect NYCFC to come out on the front foot against the Earthquakes and look to grab all 3 points at home.