NYCFC Wins Another Match At Home

MATCH RECAP

Hot on the heels of Atlanta United’s 2-2 tie with Toronto FC, NYCFC went into this showdown with Vancouver Whitecaps FC with plenty of motivation.

There was a surprise on Domènec Torrent’s teamsheet, with Argentine forward Valentin Castellanos earning his debut, just a week on from his loan switch from CA Torque.

With Sean Johnson nursing a shoulder injury, Brad Stuver also came in for his first MLS start in City colors against a Whitcaps team looking to make it three successive wins.

City were out to preserve their record 13-game unbeaten home streak themselves and they made a strong start, threatening from the opening exchanges.

Aug 4, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic (1) punches the ball over New York City FC forward Jesus Medina (19) in front of midfielder Brett Levis (46) and defender Aaron Maund (22) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jo Inge Berget, on his return to the XI, went closest first, drawing a world class save from Stefan Marinovic on 6′ after the Norwegian had met Maxi Moralez’s serve into the box with his head.

The resulting corner rebounded out to City’s All-Star Alex Ring, who let rip with a strike that recalled his golazo vs. Atlanta, only this time the shot whistled over the crossbar.

June and July’s Etihad Player of the Month Anton Tinnerholm was next to go close with a trademark back post volley on 20’ but two minutes later it was the road team who took the lead against the run of play.

Catching NYC up the field, Nicolas Mezquida went at it alone, driving at the back four and unleashing an unstoppable drilled shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The excellent Ismael Tajouri-Shradi went close with an effort from just inside the area on 36’ but City would have to wait until stoppage-time at the end of the half to finally beat the increasingly put-upon Vancouver ‘keeper.

When the goal came, it was no surprise that Tinnerholm was involved, as the in-form Swede cut in from the byline and picked out Medina, who had the presence of mind to take an extra touch to draw the challenge from a defender, before stepping around and firing under Marinovic.

Buoyed by this equalizer, Torrent’s men wasted no time in seizing the initiative after the break, taking the lead after a powerful run and cross found Castellanos who forced it over the line on the slide.

A dream start to life in the Big Apple for the Argentine.

After recovering the deficit, City rarely looked in any danger of succumbing to the Whitecaps, enjoying near-total domination of the second half, creating more good chances, through Medina, Moralez and Ring, who all went close to adding the clinching goal.

Aug 4, 2018; New York, NY, USA; New York City defender Ronald Matarrita (22) fights with Vancouver Whitecaps forward Bernie Ibini-Isei (7) or the ball in front of midfielder Ismael Tajouri (29) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

It didn’t arrive and the home side was made to pay on 87′ when Hurtado scored a goal out of nothing on a rare Whitecaps counter which climaxed with a volley at the back post.

A frustrating way to end a night which had looked so promising.

NOTES

  • Valentin Castellanos scored on his NYCFC debut
  • Brad Stuver started his first MLS game since joining from Columbus Crew SC
  • Jesus Medina scored his sixth goal for NYCFC
  • It was also the Paraguayan’s fourth in his last five games

 

QUOTES

 NYCFC HEAD COACH DOMÈNEC TORRENT

Why starting a player that just came to the team (Castellanos)?

“Starting a player on his first week is not unusual. This is a matter of quality. They ask me why I sometimes start an 18-year-old player and that is because he has more quality than a 30-year-old. [Castellanos] trained with his former team for 15 days, he came and trained well and for the way we wanted to play today he was ideal. From the day you sign a player, he becomes part of the team, if you think this player can help you out go ahead. If he is lacking rhythm, then we will wait a little bit. But to me it doesn’t matter if he arrived days before.”

Does he think the team lacked luck or talent today?

“I think the second half we came out and we played better. We had plenty of chances, but we missed the opportunity to secure the match… we did not deserve to tie the game, but we were also unable to score more goals.”

When will David Villa be back?

“If nothing happens, David will be back for the next game.”

On if the result of the Atlanta United match change your game plan or formations in any way..

“I saw the game. We prepared the game against Vancouver. We wanted to play 4-3-3 and nothing changed. When you play football, it doesn’t depend on the result (of other matches).

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