Sports

NYCFC Can State Claim As Best After Win In Bronx

June 30, 2019 2:52 AM·

By Carlos De Jesus IV

NYCFC picked up right where they left off before the international break, extending their unbeaten streak to thirteen straight with a 4-2 win over the Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Union. Made all the more impressive considering the regular starters missing from the line-up, Saturdays performance by the Blues was nothing less than statement to the rest of the league.

“We think of ourselves as one of the top teams in the league so you have to go out everyday and be the best.” That was Ben Sweats reaction when asked why his team seems to step up their performance level against top sides. With victories over teams like L.A. Galaxy, D.C. United and Montreal, one cannot help but wonder if this NYCFC side is a heavy-weight contender.

“We are in the best form in the moment.” said coach Dome Torrent “It is not easy because everybody knows we lost just one game.”

That one loss came in the form of the 4-0 thrashing doled out by Toronto FC, but that was in March. Since that early season wake-up call NYCFC have been unbeatable, stringing together thirteen gritty performances anchored by a refreshed attacking front. But with stalwarts Heber and James Sands down due to injury, a shifting starting eleven is showing no lapses in consistency.

New York City FC defender Ben Sweat (2) and Philadelphia Union midfielder Ilsinho (25) fight for a header over Philadelphia forward Kacper Przybylko (23) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

“Everybody on this team has a great attitude and a winning mind set.” said Keaton Parks “even the players that don’t play a lot, it starts in the locker room, we are always ready.

Ready seems to be the company line as a soccer hungry crowd came out in force with a season high 25,451 in attendance at Yankee Stadium to take in their revitalized team. “I’m very happy for our supporters” Torrent said “because we haven’t played at home for 20 days, 21 days, so this is for them.”

New York City FC defender Maxime Chanot (4) heads the ball over Philadelphia Union midfielder Ilsinho (25) and New York City FC midfielder Keaton Parks (55) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

With top ranked Seattle coming up and the rekindling of the Hudson River Derby soon thereafter, NYCFC look well equipped for any challenge. Proving to be one of the better stories in MLS, they will have a chance to continue writing it Wednesday night in the Bronx.

Contact me on Instagram/Twitter @IVconsideration

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Author: Rich has covered countless New York Mets and Yankees games along with some of the greatest boxing matches over the years. His award winning sports column has been in the Bronx News (which recently folded) for 28 years. Mancuso also has been a sports journalist for the Associated Press, New York Daily News, Gannett Westchester newspapers, Boxing Digest Magazine, The Sports Network and Latinosports.com. Bronxites will recall that Rich once hosted a sports talk television program, “Bronx Scoreboard” on Bronxnet Television. In addition, Mancuso recently concluded a four-year run hosting a sports talk program on the Whitney Broadcasting Network station WVOX.