New York City FC vs LA Galaxy: Three Key Moments
NYCFC found an early goal that proved to be the match winner as they held a clean sheet against the LA Galaxy in a star-studded affair that included Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
The match between NYCFC and the LA Galaxy saw two star-studded squads face off in New York. World class talent such as David Villa, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo, Robbie Keane, Gyasi Zardes, Ashley Cole, Nigel de Jong, Giovani dos Santos and Steven Gerrard littered the pitch. New York City FC got a huge win over LA, 1-0, in this match.
The Galaxy were without their regular first team goalkeeper in Brian Rowe as he picked up an injury in their last match. Clement Diop started in his place and made his MLS debut in this one. While he played well, he was at a major disadvantage against David Villa when he scored the game’s lone goal.
New York City FC extended their lead atop the Eastern Conference with the win as they now have 41 total points (11-7-8). The LA Galaxy dropped points and are in third place in the Western Conference with 38 total points (9-4-11) on the season. NYCFC have sured up their rocky defense after a shaky start to the year. Los Angeles is still having trouble finding goals even with all of their talented players.
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1. Match Winner
NYCFC forward and Spanish international, David Villa, scored the matches only goal in the 6′ minute of play. Diop was able to make the initial save on Ronald Matarrita but Villa tapped it home. This was a controversial goal because it appeared that David was offsides when the ball was first struck by Matarrita. The assist referee allowed the goal and did not raise the flag for offsides.
2. Saunders’ Save on de Jong’s Bicycle Kick
NYCFC goalkeeper, Josh Saunders, made the save of the match (his only save of the game) when he saved a bicycle kick from Nigel de Jong. The chance came in the 43rd minute and Saunders barely got his fingertips on the ball to parry it out of play. This would prove to be a vital stop as NYCFC and Saunders held a clean sheet and got the 1-0 victory.
3. Late Chance For LA
The Galaxy had a great opportunity to level the score late in the game but Jelle Van Damme‘s shot sailed just wide in the 82′ minute. Steven Gerrard played a great ball into the penalty box and it found Van Damme’s left foot. His attempt beat the keeper but it went just wide of the far post. That was Los Angeles’ best chance of the game.
With the victory, New York City FC ended LA’s nine game unbeaten run in MLS play. In their next game, NYCFC will go one the road to face Kaka and Orlando City SC. The Galaxy will look to rebound against the Fire in Chicago.