New York City FC Vs Philadelphia Union: 3 things we learned – Union make statement
2. Not time for NYCFC to panic, right?
After three games in 2020, New York City FC are yet to earn a single point. Even more concerningly, they are yet to score a goal. NYCFC, who fielded an almost full first-choice XI, were held scoreless by an impressive Andre Blake and a quick and reactive press which often stopped attacks before they even could reach the final third.
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Curiously, Ronny Deila’s side have scored goals in 2020, including six in their two legs against AD San Carlos in the CCL. Their chances were limited by an early red card on opening day against the Columbus Crew and a tough Week 2 battle in Toronto was always going to be one of the more challenging games of the season. On this occasion, NYCFC struggled.
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, who likely entered the lineup after Alexandru Mitrita picked up a knock in training, wasn’t at his best and often left the team ineffective along the right in the first half. His 76th-minute replacement, Gary Mackay-Steven didn’t bring much either. He had a few chances, including a late one-on-one that was denied by Blake. Heber hardly had a touch. His shot from a tight angle forced a brilliant reaction save by Blake in the 86th minute.
The most effective option New York had going forward was Valentin Castellanos, who’s aggressiveness, often criticized as selfishness, brought much-needed energy into a team that needed help getting a final shot off. He had two pretty lethal chances, a first-timed shot sent right into Blake in the 48th minute as well as a low driven shot from outside the box which forced an awkward parry from Blake not too long after.
The team needs to finish off one of their six shots on target. They created opportunities and openings but could not take advantage, and the longer their goal drought goes, the more panic will spread.