MLS: New England Revolution at New York City FC, Maximiliano Moralez. Credit: Adam Hunger (usatoday.com)
By Lenny Ortiz
Coming off a horrific 3-1 loss in Atlanta, NYCFC looked to redeem themselves at home Wednesday night against an inconsistent New England Revolution side, but fell a bit short for their liking.
A game of pure dominance for the New Yorkers ended up resulting in a mere point as a late goal for the Revolution would be the final of the match, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
The scoring started early as Jack Harrison netted one in the 17th minute, coming from wonderful run and assist by Villa for his 6th goal of the season. The finish was superb, however the run and pass from the World Cup hero was the talk of the goal. Head coach Patrick Vieira praised the world class talent after the game saying, “We are talking about one of the best players in this league. His ability to make decisions and get the ball to others in the right position is something that separates him from others.”
MLS: New England Revolution at New York City FC. Daigo Kobayashi | Jack Harrison Credit: Adam Hunger (usatoday.com)
The lead was not held for long as veteran forward Kei Kamara tied the game up in the 24th minute with a dazzling header that snuck by keeper Sean Johnson. This goal places Kamara alone in 10th place on the all-time MLS goal scoring leaderboard.
In the 61st minute Viera made his first substitution of the game, pulling New York native Thomas McNamara and subbing in 23 year old forward Miguel Camargo. What a move it would turn out to be as less than 4 minutes later, Camargo found the back of the net to break the 1-1 tie and claim his first ever MLS goal.
MLS: New England Revolution at New York City FC. David Villa Credit: Adam Hunger (usatoday.com)
It was once again a beautiful delivery this time off the left foot of Maximiliano Moralez that found the head of Camargo. The finish was simple and efficient, and for a while it certainly looked like the match winner.
However late leads have been a problem for this team ever since its inaugural season, and once again this issue has cost this team some points.
MLS: New England Revolution at New York City FC, Andrew Farrell | Rodney Wallace. Credit: Adam Hunger (usatoday.com)
“It’s only one match and we’ve been doing really well this season,” said forward Jack Harrison who scored the first goal for NYCFC. “No individual is to blame. It’s a team thing and unfortunately we just gave up a late goal today. I don’t think it’s something to be concerned about. We definitely will look over it however and see what we can do to prevent this in the future.”
In the waning minutes of the match another substitution found the back of the net for the first goal of his MLS career, this time it was Revolution mid-fielder Xavier Kouassi. Kouassi was found on the right corner of the penalty box by Kelyn Rowe, and headed the cross right past Johnson in net.
You could feel the stadium take a giant exhale once Johnson turned behind him. A common theme that this team has not seemed to shake off quite yet.
Despite their unfavorable result and constant struggles closing out matches, midfielder Jack Harrison remains optimistic, “It’s a disappointing game. We wanted those three points, were in position to get it, and we didn’t, but it happens in football sometimes. It’s disappointing, but we have to review it and prevent it in the future and keep going forward.”
In a game that was dominated by the Blues (58.6% possession, 12 total shots, 4 shots against), they must settle for the draw and prepare for Saturday when they host the Philadelphia Union.
Lenny Ortiz is a contributing writer with the Bronx Chronicle and a student of journalism with emphasis on sports at SUNY Oneonta.
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