New York City FC vs Chicago Fire: Three Key Moments
David Villa’s brace at home for New York City FC helped his team secure the full three points and defeat the Chicago Fire 4-1.
New York City FC were able to come away with a win against the Chicago Fire as they defeated them 4-1. David Villa scored two goals as he led his team to another three points at home this season. NYCFC were able to take the top spot in the Eastern Conference and all but secure a playoff spot.
This match featured a lot of star power even without Frank Lampard on the pitch as David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and David Accam were all present. David Villa had the biggest impact on the match but Pirlo continued to dominate the midfield with his skill and talent. This game was yet another example that Chicago needs to add talent in the next transfer window.
The win gives NYCFC 48 points (13W-9L-9D) on the season and puts them ahead of Toronto FC for first place in the East. With the loss, the Fire stay at the basement of the East and still maintain the worst record in Major League Soccer this year. Chicago only have 27 points with a 6W-14L-9D record.
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1. Strong Start From NYCFC
Jefferson Mena got the scoring started for New York City FC as he gave them the early lead in the match. He scored his first goal of the season in the 8′ minute that started from an Andrea Pirlo corner. He played it short to Ronald Matarrita who crossed the ball into the box and Khiry Shelton’s header found the feet of Mena who put the ball into the back of the net.
NYCFC doubled up on their lead not a minute later when David Villa scored his 18th goal of the season. The Spaniard placed his right footed shot past Sean Johnson. At that point, New York were in clear control of the match.
2. Chicago Get One Back
The Chicago Fire cut New York’s lead to just 2-1 when Luis Solignac scored in the 35′ minute. Solignac scored his second goal of the year when he headed home Arturo Alvarez’s cross. The header beat Josh Saunders and confused the NYCFC back line.
3. NYCFC Put the Game Away
After the threat from Chicago late in the first half, New York took back control of the game. Steven Mendoza scored in the 44′ minute from an incredible strike from long range. His fourth goal of the season was a stunner that bent past the Fire keeper and gave him no chance of making the save.
David Villa completely put the game away late in the second half. His goal in the 83′ minute put NYCFC up 4-1. His 19th goal of the season was a left footed shot from inside the box that beat Johnson to his right. It gave New York an insurmountable lead and forced Chicago to walk away with a loss in this one.
New York City FC will return to action on Friday, September 30th when they travel to take on the Houston Dynamo. The Chicago Fire will be looking to bounce back when they face the Seattle Sounders away from home on Wednesday, September 28th. NYCFC will look to continue their good form while Chicago will be looking to bounce back in their next game.