New York City FC loses after red card
New York City FC were fighting in a draw until a red card and goal saw the team lose to the New England Revolution
The last time New York City FC faced the New England Revolution, the Bronx side found themselves beating the Eastern Conference leaders 2-0. It was one of their best games of the season, but the players also play fantastically at home. This time around, they found themselves away to face the first place side, and away fixtures have not been kind to the Pigeons.
In the previous weekend, NYCFC lost 3-1 to Nashville SC, and lost Maxi Moralez and Jesús Medina for the New England game due to a red card and yellow card accumulation, respectively. Plus, they had some players return from international duty, and Alexander Callens was not available since he played a full match on Thursday. Therefore, between their poor away record, and then the lack of starters available, NYCFC had a challenge ahead of them on Saturday night.
Despite a compellingly played first half, the Pigeons lost to the Revolution, 2-1. As a result, their poor record on the road stretched to 2-6-3.
NYCFC did strike first in the 11th minute though. Talles Magno intercepted the ball from New England, and then the teamwork began. Multiple passes led back to Magno, and after a slight run on the right side of the pitch, he passed the ball to Valentín Castellanos. The Argentine noticed Santiago Rodríguez was making a run in the center of the box, and swept the ball over a few New England players. With a flick of his foot, Rodríguez then put the ball into the back of the net.
Sadly, Rodríguez went down with a hamstring injury, and thus was subbed off just a few minutes later. The young Uruguayan has been spectacular for the Pigeons, so hopefully, for both the team and fans, he will be okay.
New England then went on to score about ten minutes later. By the end of the first half, the score was 1-1, and NYCFC players were strong both in the attack and defense. It was a real fight between the two sides, and clearly one of the better performances on the road. At least, that was the case until the second half.
In the 53rd minute, Alfredo Morales received his second yellow card, which resulted in the red card, and subsequently was sent off. At first NYCFC reacted well, but then the tides changed. The Revolution began to control the possession, and then Tajon Buchanan scored an insane goal from inside the edge of the the box in the 65th minute.
Following the goal, it was mostly one way traffic for New England. There were a few moments where New York City FC had opportunities, especially when Ismael Tajouri-Shradi came on in the 75th minute. Plus, Sean Johnson kept the team in the match, with two major saves in the last ten minutes. Alas, the ten-man squad could not get anything going.
Some questions regarding player choice
While Ronny Deila has had some positive moments in 2021, there are some questions regarding player choice. For example, Malte Amundsen still has to improve, and this was a match against the top team in MLS. Meanwhile, Gudmundur Thórarinsson did not play in the third and final game for international duty. Since the Icelandic player is the better left-back, then why did he not play? Was there an issue with fitness after traveling back? This decision by Deila was puzzling, and definitively did not help the team. Amundsen struggled to get forward, and that is something Thórarinsson can do well.
Additionally, why did Nicolás Acevedo not start? The 22 year old has blossomed this year, and is clearly a better option to play in the midfield compared to Morales. James Sands can play in the center-back position, so this was another questionable decision by Deila.
Also, Morales has not played at the top caliber level that he can play at since joining NYCFC. He has had way too many giveaways, especially when stuck in the center-back position. Furthermore, he is not a difference maker, and lacks the creativity Acevedo has.
Of course, Deila is often criticized for his substitution choices, and then making them late into the game. Against New England, the head coach did make the right decisions regarding substitutes, but the Starting XI choices just add to the frustration around him with player choice.
As New York City FC continues down the stretch, Deila must be spot on in his lineup decisions. Yes, rotation is necessary, but when your team plays the best, then you must field your best possible Starting XI.