By Carlos De Jesus IV
Contributing Writer for the Bronx Chronicle
NYCFC missed a big opportunity when they had to come back to draw 1-1 with Orlando City Saturday. The momentum the Pigeons had been riding staggered a bit at Yankee Stadium when sloppy play from the back line and missed shots in front of goal humbled the Blues on a night where they will regret not grabbing all three points.
“I’m not very happy” said a frustrated Maxi Moralez “I think we were much superior, they didn’t have good scoring opportunities. Our side didn’t attack properly even though we had possession most of the game. Overall we let go three points.”
Despite the disappointment there were plenty of bright spots, specifically the continued rise of MLS newcomer Heber. His game tying goal today added to his season tally which stands at two goals and two assists in five games. Today marked his third straight start as he continues to carve out a role on his new team.
“When you work hard, when you give everything on the pitch, everything comes.” said the newcomer Heber “My teammates helped me a lot, they were very welcoming and helped me to push myself as hard as I can and continue scoring.”
Orlando City defender Lamine Sane (22) defends against New York City FC forward Heber (9) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
This marked the fourth game in a row in which coach Dome Torrent used his 3-4-3 system, which happened to be the fourth consecutive game his team got on the score sheet. The Blues should have had at least two goals on the evening as they kept the traffic pouring down a one way street, but at least new key players are starting to make themselves known.
“I think Héber is the right player right now. And I’m happy with the players who have played the last 2 or 3 games with us, which is good news because we have Taty [Castellanos] playing in maybe his best form and Mitriță playing very well.”
Though Saturdays performance was a bit deflating, seven points in seven days is a good haul from a team that recently shared the conference basement with Atlanta United. And having lost only three home games since the start of the 2017 season, their home form provides needed confidence as they look ahead to a grueling road trip. The Pigeons will not find themselves in the comfort of their own home at all in May, making their awaited return June 6th against FC Cincinnati.
“I think that gives us a lot of confidence going into our away stretch” midfielder James Sands said “and I think if we can just taking points on the road then it’ll be great for us.”
Contact: Twitter @IVconsideration & Instagram @i.scarfface.v
Follow Us