See How NYCFC Defeated Querétaro F.C. on Penalties with Heroic Save by Barraza

Sunday night in the Bronx was the stage for an epic battle between New York City FC and Querétaro F.C., a clash that ended goalless but was full of drama and emotion. Anyone expecting a dull match was completely wrong.

From the opening whistle, New York City FC showed their intent. Coach Nick Cushing made several changes to the team that drew with Orlando City in the previous match. Among the five changes was the season debut of Luis Barraza in goal, replacing Matt Freese. Alongside him, Talles Magno, Julián Fernández, Maxi Moralez, and Mounsef Bakrar were also in the lineup.

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The game started at full speed, with Christian McFarlane winning a dangerous free-kick in the opening minutes, but unfortunately, it led to nothing. As time passed, City grew more confident and controlled the midfield, while Querétaro was limited to counterattack attempts. The first major moment of tension came at the 22nd minute when McFarlane headed the ball accurately, forcing goalkeeper Guillermo Allison into a brilliant, almost miraculous save. Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, Querétaro tried to exploit Aké Loba's speed to surprise City. However, New York's defense, well-positioned and alert, did not allow significant advances. Alan Medina had a go, but his shot in the 27th minute was far from troubling Barraza. City had a golden opportunity in the 43rd minute when Fernández shot from inside the box, but the ball just missed the post.

At the start of the second half, Querétaro’s Lucas Rodríguez had the first chance, but his shot was easily saved by Barraza. Talles Magno, tireless in attack, continued to press and almost scored in the 58th minute with a long-range shot that forced another save from Allison. Substitutions followed, with Cushing replacing Bakrar with Jovan Mijatović, who almost scored with a header in the 66th minute. More changes came in the 69th minute, with Ojeda and Martínez entering the field to try to give the team a new burst of energy. While City dominated possession, Querétaro still looked for an opening. Ronaldo Cisneros, in a rare attack, tried to surprise Barraza with a long-range shot in the 71st minute, but the goalkeeper was alert. City didn’t give up, and Martínez nearly scored with a powerful shot that forced another great save from Allison. The game seemed destined to end goalless when an injury to Mitja Ilenič forced Cushing to make another substitution, bringing Tayvon Gray onto the field. Martínez continued to be a menace to the opposing defense and nearly scored again in the final minutes. In stoppage time, Barraza made a crucial save, parrying a powerful shot from Cisneros and ensuring the game went to penalties.

The penalty shootout was a true test of nerves. After nine shots, with the crowd holding their breath with each kick, New York City FC finally emerged victorious, 4-3. And, in the end, it was Luis Barraza, the man who started the game without much fanfare, who became the hero of the night. His spectacular save on Querétaro's last penalty secured the extra point for City.