By Carlos De Jesus IV
Early frustrations continued for NYCFC with a 0-0 draw at Yankee Stadium Saturday against the Montreal Impact. Through their first five games the Pigeons had been seeking a new scoring formula, but coach Dome Torrent’s search for a go to line-up goes on as he continued to shuffle his players.
Yet no combo yielded results as his team desperately sought their first win of the season.
“Our players need to win one game for the confidence” Torrent said “when it happens our confidence will be much better and we’ll be able to win the next game.”
New York City FC head coach Domenec Torrent coaches against the Montreal Impact during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
All of the New York forwards came up empty yet again, with none getting on the score sheet yet this season. Four goals in six games, with three of those belonging to the midfield is surely not how coach Torrent had it drawn up in the off-season. But there was a spark of light in the 63rd minute as the Brazilian Heber made his long awaited debut and instantly brought the attack to life.
Heber wasted no time, turning and shooting at the edge of the box as soon as the ball found his feet. This sparked a flurry of activity in the box that led to a goal and the crowd to erupt in a frenzy, only for the offside flag to go up and bring the sky blue faithful back down to earth. The groans that followed from the crowd painted the portrait of frustration that encompasses this team
That is what [makes you mad] after the match.” Captain Alex Ring said “You give it [your] all, you show a good reaction after a bad game in Toronto, and then you’re still sitting here with one point never the less.
Despite being anemic in-front of goal, the game was dominated throughout by the home team. The midfield captain kept the traffic moving in one direction with 66 percent possession. The momentum only increased following a red card handed out in the 70th minute to Maximiliano Urruti.
New York City FC defender Maxime Chanot (4) heads the ball against Montreal Impact forward Maximiliano Urruti (37) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
“We had two similar games at home already where I think we dominated” rising midfield star James Sands said “we are just not creating enough chances and tonight we could not get a goal.”
Ronald Matarrita was another bright spot for the Blues as he provided an abundance of thrust down the left wing, proving far too much for Montreal right back Baccary Sagna to handle. Most of New York’s best chances started off of his left foot, showing no concern for the Montreal counter-attack he stayed forward looking to provide great balls into the box
“The team needs to win our first game.” Matarrita said “that’s what we live for in soccer, the team is trying their best but we have to increase our goal percentage”
Before Saturdays game, NYCFC sat second to last in the conference, not too far behind on points but still a worrying sign for a team accustomed be near the top. The Pigeons will be looking to get more of a foothold next Saturday away in Minnesota.
“Just stick with us, we’re working our hardest everyday” said Sands when asked if he had a message for frustrated fans “I know the results will come, just stick with us.
Contact Carlos: @twitter: IVconsideration @instagram: i.scarfface.v
Follow Us