NYCFC Paint the City Blue with 2-0 Win over Red Bulls
By John Tolis
After suffering a 7-0 beat down just a month ago, New York City F.C. answered back against their crosstown rivals the New York Red Bulls and shut them down 2-0. Thanks to Jack Harrison, NYCFC grabs sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference
There was a huge question for Patrick Vieira and his squad–how will they come back?
Just a month ago, NYCFC endured a brutal battle, but this Sunday and in the second outing of the New York Derby of the season, it was a totally different squad.
The boys in blue came out with some fire and broke the scoreboard early. Grabbing a corner on the right side, Andrea Pirlo found Harrison all alone just outside the box. Harrison caught the ball and broke free from two Red Bull defenders and belted the ball past Luis Robles.
After the goal, NYCFC was calm and collected with the ball, especially in the back. Vieira’s switch in the back with RJ Allen and Jason Hernandez on the sides with Frédéric Brillant and Jefferson Mena in the middle paid off. NYCFC’s back four frustrated Bradley Wright-Phillips and the rest of the Red Bull’s attack.
The ball was not getting in the box and the Red Bulls’ plan of attack was putting shots on net outside the box. Josh Saunders came out with some nifty saves and kept the ball out of the net.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
In the second half, NYCFC let it’s guard drop a bit as the Red Bulls were threatening. In the first 10 minutes, the Red Bulls were pushing forward and attempted to rattle up the NYCFC defense. Their plan was wiped out in the 66th minute as NYCFC flipped the script.
Allen was doing what he does best and that start the attack on the right side. Allen found Harrison on the right wing and Harrison saw an open Villa in the box and passed a beautiful ball. Villa netted his 12th goal and his first ever New York Derby goal giving NYCFC a comfortable 2-0 lead.
For the second straight match, NYCFC managed to hold the lead and that’s something that brings joy to Vieira. NYCFC’s late struggles have hurt them, but those struggles seem to be fading.
The Red Bulls were pushing late again, but nothing threatening. NYCFC held it together and Vieira made some smart decisions with his subs starting with Ronald Matarrita. After a mid-week injury, Matarrita came on as a sub giving NYCFC fresh legs and switched to a 5-3-2 set up.
Federico Bravo made his first appearance in nearly two months along with Mikey Lopez.
As Sunday comes to a close, NYCFC finally got it’s opportunity to paint the city blue. Even though Villa, Lampard, Pirlo and the rest of the NYCFC squad grabbed their first win against the crosstown rivals, grabbing first place in the eastern conference is what matters the most today.