New York City FC drop all three points to D.C. United after losing 2-1 in what was a fair result. Despite a scoreless first 45’, the visitors didn’t create enough chances in the second half and ultimately lost due to their own mistakes. Credit to D.C. for taking their chances, staying compact and making it tough for NYCFC going forward.
Fun Fact
D.C. United has won 4 MLS Cups and 4 Supporters’ Shield, second all-time to just Los Angeles Galaxy who has 5 MLS Cups and 4 Supporters’ Shields.
The Goals
53’ D.C. United – Lloyd Sam was able to capitalize after miscommunication between Frederic Brillant and Maxime Chanot led to a one-on-one opportunity for Sam who made no mistake in putting it past Sean Johnson.
73’ D.C. United – Luciano Acosta did well for D.C. to dribble past the NYCFC midfield and set up Lloyd Sam for the shot. Sam’s effort was saved by Johnson but Acosta was there to pounce on the rebound.
84’ New York City – David Villa pulled one back for NYCFC after Thomas McNamara fired a ball across goal and found Villa who slotted it pasted Bill Hamid.
Player Of The Match
Luciano Acosta showed that his absence was a major factor in D.C. United’s early season struggles. Their second goal was all Acosta, who did well to get through NYCFC’s midfield, pick the right pass, and then finishing it off by putting away the rebound.
Game Summary
Tough to watch. Even affair in the first half and both teams were held scoreless. NYCFC dominated possession 60-40 though both teams had just one shot on target – nothing more than a half-chance. NYCFC’s best opportunity came in the 44’ when Villa’s ball found Maxi Moralez on the back post but his header didn’t trouble Hamid. Yes. NYCFC’s best chance in the first half came off a Moralez header. For those who don’t know, Moralez is 5’3”.
Tale of two halves, here. D.C. came out on the front foot with Luciano Acosta forcing a good save from Sean Johnson in the 52’. Just one minute later, Lloyd Sam scored for D.C. after a poor mistake between Maxime Chanot and Frederic Brillant left Sam one-on-one with Johnson and he made no mistake. Luciano Acosta then scored in the 73’ after doing well to set up Sam for the shot, and pouncing on the rebound. Patrick Viera took Andrea Pirlo off for Khiry Shelton immediately after the second goal and switching to what looked like a 3-3-4 formation. David Villa was able to pull one back for the NYCFC after a McNamara pass across goal found an open Villa who made no mistake. Too little, too late for NYCFC who drop all three points on the road.
Next Up: Philadelphia Union
NYCFC will look to bounce back on Friday, April 14, when they travel to PPL Park to take on the Union. The Union are sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just 2 points in 4 games this season and will certainly look to right the ship at NYCFC’s expense. The Union will play the Portland Timbers later tonight, who are sitting comfortably at the top of the Western Conference and look a very dangerous side with Diego Valeri & Fanendo Adi proving to be a deadly partnership. Big test for the Union and we’ll see what they’re made of ahead of next week’s game with NYCFC. Stay tuned!
Emilio Soto says
NYCFC needs a defender player that brings and makes the plays forward. Defense and Midfield lines are comfortably playing back to Johnson and him needs full training how to kick the ball on pressure. All NYCFC needs to create open spaces, not closing.