AfterFacts: CLBvNYC

This was a match, folks. Up, then down, then back up and stayed up. Quite the emotional game. Let’s look into what I would consider a big win in Mapfre Stadium over Columbus Crew.

1. Getting the obvious ones out the way: first win in Columbus. Add them to the list of teams we defeated on the road: Seattle, Portland, New England, DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. Eleven down, ten to go.

2. New York City FC’s 2017 record when equalizing a match is 2W-0D-0L. Loanee Yangel Herrera dangerously scored to level the match at two goals apiece.

3. Speaking of that goal, Ben Sweat, who registered an assist on that goal, earned his first start in Major League Soccer against the team that drafted him.

4. Still with the obvious, but still worthy to note, Jack Harrison got his first brace of his pro career. David Villa, Frank Lampard, Kwadwo Poku, and Ned Grabavoy are the only other NYCFC players to score more than once in a match. Also, according to nycfc.com, City’s record when Harrison scores a goal is 3W-0D-0L this season and 6W-0D-1L since 2016. (The one loss was his first pro goal in his first pro start against Real Salt Lake last year, but we’re not here to dwell on the negative.)

5. I know I had some criticism of WhoScored.com on last week’s podcast. Unfortunately, that continues this week. (Again, these are my views, and not the views of NYCFC Nation. Andres and Chris M, you guys are good.) Jack Harrison and Yangel Herrera both scored an 8.9, but Jack Harrison was awarded Man of the Match. In my view, it’s both of these guys. (Had you going there for a bit, didn’t I?) Maxi Moralez scored the second highest for NYC at 7.5, which maybe is a bit harsh.

6. Andrea Pirlo was on the bench for the full match. The only other time he dressed but didn’t play was last year in Toronto on May 18. That match ended 1-1. He also missed the 2-0 loss in Philadelphia last year on April 23, when he was not in the XVIII. City’s record then without Pirlo since the start of 2016 is 1W-1D-1L. So, it goes any way.

7. David Villa missed only one match last year, the 5-1 win over Colorado at home. Seems as if NYCFC is still decent without Villa and even better with him. Good signs!

8. City so far has won every other match. Hope we can break that form in a good way this weekend.

That’s all I got this week. Next match is against Atlanta United, the first time we play a team younger than us. (That’ll be on the list for next week.)

“No Pirlo, still party”? I am just asking, don’t take it the wrong way.