New York City FC fell to the Red Bulls in the first leg of the Hudson River Derby on Sunday night.
Here’s Five Points, presented by Etihad Airways…
Controversial Call
New York City FC traveled to Harrison, New Jersey to face off against the Red Bulls on their home turf.
As City hit the road, they looked to bring home a better result than what was ultimately decided by a controversial goal in the 60th minute…
If you missed the match, the ball went out of bounds and the Assistant Referee indicated for a corner kick, which the Boys in Blue were starting to set up to defend. What they didn’t notice is that the referee overturned the AR and awarded the Red Bulls a throw-in which was taken quickly, with NYCFC players caught out of position.
Once the throw-in was taken, the hosts were able to capitalize and score the winning goal.
The controversy rang throughout social media as players, reporters, and fans all shared their thoughts on the play.
They were not alone, the City boys also had choice words with the referees after the match. Sean Johnson, Alex Ring, and Dome Torrent led the charge as tensions ran high.
Our Captain told reporters post-game: “Yeah, I mean I think it’s pretty clear that the assistant shows down with his flag to play the corner kick, and if the referee feels it’s a throw-in, he should have the decency to let everyone know. I think it’s a game-deciding situation, he has to look in the mirror and be brutally honest because he cost us the points today.”
Staying Solid
The Boys in Blue put their best foot forward, even in enemy territory, by maintaining possession and dominating the game early on.
NYCFC was able to score the first goal of the night and bossed the opening 40 minutes, despite playing 120 minutes in Orlando in midweek.
Each player showed heart and skill and deserved more for their efforts. They put the City on their back and made us proud, even if they weren’t able to bring home the points this time.
Roll on August 24.
Number Nine Time
Héber is back!
The striker made his return to the XI in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match, but he really made his presence felt against the Red Bulls in his first Hudson River Derby.
He opened up scoring for NYCFC in the 7th minute, netting the first goal of the night.
The ball was played forward brilliantly from Keaton Parks, who brought the ball through the Red Bull midfielders, getting it to Maxi Moralez. Moralez turned the ball over to Anton Tinnerholm, who crossed it first-time to his striker to put the finishing touch on it.
Héber now leads the team with seven goals under his belt for Season 5.
Hudson River Debut
Gary Mackay-Steven made his long-awaited MLS debut in City Blue during the Hudson River Derby.
Although he only came on with six minutes of playing time left, he did not disappoint. Mackay-Steven made every touch count and he nearly created the equalizing goal in added-time, passing the ball forward to Héber for a shot on goal, which unfortunately just flew over the crossbar.
All in all, more to come, but a promising cameo from the Scot.
Keep on Rolling
Although the result was not what City hoped for, it was only part one of the Hudson River Derby story in 2019.
The second leg of the Hudson River Derby will be on our home pitch, in the Bronx, so we will need our supporters to show up and show out.
The Boys in Blue will be ready to set the record straight and use this painful defeat as motivation.
August 24 cannot come soon enough.
