Despite yesterday’s 1-0 loss against Orlando City, NYCFC looked promising in their 2017 season opener.
For their third season opener in history, NYCFC was looking to repeat from last year and grab the full three points. On a historic night for Orlando City in which they revealed their new stadium, Orlando had something to prove.
Despite the loss, NYCFC has a lot to look forward for the up-coming season. Patrick Vieira went with his standard 4-3-3 formation but with some unfamiliar faces from last season. Vieira tested out five of his off-season acquisitions in yesterday’s clash.
It’s too early tell how a club is going to play out the rest of the season with only game in the books, but let’s break it down and take three key moments from yesterday.
1. Where Was The Finish?
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We all know that the final score determines who dominated the match, but that wasn’t the case yesterday. Yes, Orlando did walk away with a 1-0 victory but in reality, NYCFC lost that match-up and it was theirs for the taking.
Dominating in possession and putting the ball on net, NYCFC’s chances came in waves. They moved the ball swiftly and really took advantage of the wings. If you go by the stat book, NYCFC should’ve walked away with at least four goals on the scoreboard.
The boys in blue had the ball 68% of the match while putting the ball on goal seven times. They crushed Orlando in the pass category with 454 accurate passes. With stats like those and nothing to show for it, the question is raised–where was the finish?
Normally when put up those numbers, the team that did so walks away with the three points or at least one. While the way they played was a positive sign, they need to find the finish next time.
2. Getting To See the New Talent
The second takeaway from this match was getting to see the new talent that Vieira has brought over. In comparison to last off-season, the NYCFC board was busy and made more than several signings in 2017.
In yesterday’s starting line-up for NYCFC, we saw five players make their debut. It was a rare sight to see someone different between the posts as Sean Johnson is the new number one for Vieira. In the back line were the usual suspects except Alexander Callens. The Peruvian defender made his MLS debut and showed like most coming into this league that it’s not easy.
Orlando City’s Cyle Larin picked up Callens’ inexperience and netted the game’s lone goal. Callens was out played at times, but you really can’t fault him. In the midfield was the none other than the Italian Maestro Andrea Pirlo and his new teammates Alexander Ring and Maxi Moralez.
Ring had an interesting performance. He played aggressive when he needed to and put himself in positions where he could’ve scored. Now owning the number eight jersey, coincidentally, Ring reminded us of Frank Lampard out there.
As for Moralez, there were mixed emotions for the new designated player. Playing more as an attacking midfielder, Moralez had some good ideas and made some plays, but also could’ve done better. When you take up the designated player spot, you’re expected to work wonders especially following Lampard.
Upfront was Vieira’s last signing Rodney Wallace which was a very smart and underrated signing. Wallace brings a real MLS experience to this NYCFC squad and could easily adapt to Vieira’s system.
3. Double Up on the Attack
Ever since NYCFC came about, the club captain David Villa has been the face. Not only off the pitch, but on the pitch as well. As NYCFC’s main striker, Villa is always the marked man and the last takeaway has to do with Vieira’s attacking game.
Late in the game and itching for a goal, Vieira put in his first off-season signing, Sean Okoli. Last year’s USL Golden Boot winner and now NYCFC’s new number nine, Okoli showed some promise. He put two quick shots on goal that alarmed Orlando’s defense.
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When Okoli came in, Vieira opted to go with three defenders and leave two strikers upfront and going forward Okoli could be lethal in front of the net with Villa. In last week’s preview, it was predicted Okoli would get the start under Vieira’s 4-3-3 formation and even though he didn’t, he definitely made his case for the next game.
New York City FC return home for next Sunday’s match against DC United at 2pm EST.