New York City FC took a point on the road against Inter Miami CF.
Alonso Martínez's first goal for the Club canceled out Luis Suarez's opener.
Here are Five Points from Florida...
First Goal
Alonso Martinez was handed a chance to impress and he took it.
The Costa Rican pressed hard and caused trouble in the final third from the minute he took the field and was rewarded for his hard work with the equalizer in the first half.
The forward produced a well-taken finish that was low and hard and helped kill Miami’s momentum as they searched for a second. A first goal for Martínez with City, here’s hoping it is the first of many.
“I think it was a special night for me, having my first goal for the Club,” he said. “Obviously I’m a little upset we couldn’t get the three points we were looking for.
"The fans have shown me a lot of support and I want them to know any time I step on the field I will give my all to make them proud.”
Felicitaciones Alonso!
Point Gained
New York City FC were under no illusions that Saturday’s trip to Miami would be difficult. The hosts have started the season well and boast world-class talents in the likes of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
Suarez would make his presence known in the 14th minute, and when City fell behind it would have been easy to fold, but they instead rallied and deservedly leveled things in the 34th minute.
Overall, it was another strong road showing from the team as they once again highlighted their development as a group, setting them up well for a return to the Five Boroughs this Saturday.
Freese vs. Suarez
Although Suarez may have scored early on that didn’t stop Matt Freese from producing several great saves in the second half to deny him.
After the game, Nick Cushing was full of praise for the shot-stopper’s performance.
“I think he’s a top goalkeeper,” he said. “He makes the save because that’s his game. I thought last week as well he came up with the big moments. When I talk about executing the result it’s about being at the top of your game whether you’re a forward or a defender. You need your players to do their job and Matt was 10 out of 10 in his performance.”
Almost
It was a tight affair down in the Sunshine State on Saturday.
Matt Freese may have been the busier of the two goalkeepers, but that didn’t stop City from creating chances. They exited the contest with a greater expected goals total than their opponents by 0.1.
Nick Cushing admitted his side had the opportunity to snatch a victory and while the initial reaction will have been one of frustration it should be replaced with a sense of achievement at the point earned and at how close the team are to executing a win on the road.
If performances stay the same, that first win is coming.
Momentum
City have started to pick up points and not a moment too soon.
The team’s last three performances have all shown glimpses of their development as a group and now they must continue that momentum heading into a big game against Atlanta United.
The team know this game is winnable and if they can convert that opportunity into success then they stand to climb several places in the Eastern Conference.
