New York City FC: Dramatic Decision Day draw secures fourth place
On Sunday, New York City FC played their final match of the regular season against the Philadelphia Union. Both teams were competing to finish above one another in the Eastern Conference, and NYCFC was trying to solidify a top four finish, with expectations high after a three-game winning streak.
Going into the fixture, the Pigeons sat in fourth place. They had clinched a playoff spot, but a home playoff game was not a guarantee, needing a win or draw against Philadelphia to secure a top four spot. Ideally, the Bronx side would win, and finish off the regular season in second or third place.
Despite the fact NYCFC did not get the win, the team managed to get a 1-1 draw to secure the fourth place finish in the East. This means they will host a home playoff game in the first round, but it was far from an easy match.
The match started off with a fast pace, a back and forth affair. Both teams were ready, both offensively and defensively, and it looked like NYCFC were locked in. However, everything changed in the 21st minute.
New York City FC was able to secure a 1-1 draw down a man
Originally shown a yellow, Gedion Zelalem received a straight red card after VAR review. The midfielder rammed his studs up into Leon Flach, completely missing the ball. Undoubtedly it was a dangerous play, and the red card was deserved. For NYCFC, not only would they play the remainder of the match with ten men, but right away it turned for the worse.
In the 26th minute, Kacper Przybylko was waiting right in front of goal. Flach was on the left side of goal, and immediately passed to his teammate, who put Philadelphia in front. Although close, Przybylko was onside, and his goal stood.
As the first half went on, the Pigeons looked lifeless and defeated. The chance to host a home playoff game looked like it was slipping away. But instead, everything changed again in the second half.
New York City FC came out of the locker room on fire. It did not look like they were playing with just ten men, and instead the match in the second half was what was expected originally. The team was attacking viciously, and they knew the importance of at least getting a draw.
Then, in the 53rd minute, Philadelphia could not clear the ball away, and it fell to Maxi Moralez. Once again, the older Argentine picked out Valentín Castellanos, and swept the ball into the box. The younger Argentine then met the ball, and headed it down into goal. The Golden Boot winner scored his 19th goal of the season, and drew his side level.
NYCFC continued to have chances in the second half, and the game was again a back and forth affair. Toward the end, the team did become gassed, but they were able to hold on defensively. Between clearances from the likes of Malte Amundsen and Alexander Callens, and also Sean Johnson’s three saves in the final ten minutes plus stoppage time, the Pigeons were able to hold on, and finish level with Philadelphia.
The playoffs are next
Next, New York City FC will host Atlanta United FC in the first round of the playoffs. Although, all of MLS will get a breather, for the playoffs do not begin until after the international break. For NYCFC, that is a good thing, and possibly some of the injured players will have the opportunity to return.
Plus, the international break gives Ronny Deila plenty of time to plan his tactics for the first playoff game. It additionally helps that the two teams faced off only a few weeks ago, so the head coach knows what to expect. The Georgia side has improved immensely over the last few months, so they will be a tough team to beat.
While it is good that the fixture will be held at Yankee Stadium, where there is a large home advantage, alas, that means nothing for the playoffs. The playoffs have not been kind to the Pigeons, and it does not matter who the team plays. In nine playoff appearances, NYCFC only has two wins, and one of those wins came across two legs where the team was still eliminated.
Needless to say, expectations are low. Based on history alone, NYCFC will probably not win, and it will be another disappointing exit early on. But, if the team can continue their current run, and make sure no gets a red card, then they have a strong chance of moving on.
Anything can happen in the MLS Cup Playoffs. And New York City FC Captain Sean Johnson said it best after the draw on Sunday: “Stick with us,” he told the supporters in the crowd. “There is more to come.”