New York City FC suffered a 2-1 defeat against New England Revolution on Saturday night.
Here’s Five Points from a tough night at Gillette Stadium, presented by Etihad Airways…
Bright Start
Crash, bang, wallop, NYCFC had a goal after 11 minutes on Saturday, and what a goal it was. If the build-up play was something to admire, then the combination between Taty Castellanos and Santiago Rodríguez was something to marvel at.
The inventiveness from Castellanos was matched by a brilliant run from Rodríguez, and denoted a glimmer of what this team can do in the final third. It’s unfortunate that the Uruguayan was forced off with a hamstring injury not long after, with the hope being it is not a serious one.
The Boys in Blue understandably lost some of their momentum when he departed the field, and it would have been interesting to see how things would have unfolded had he been able to remain in the game.
The fact NYCFC almost had a second moments before he pulled up injured indicates the pair would have cause the Revs further problems, but it was not to be sadly.
Talles Magno Starts
There was understandably an air of excitement surrounding the Club when Talles Magno joined. The teenager arrived from Vasco da Gama with a big reputation, but Ronny Deila has preached patience with the talented forward.
Talles was signed with the future in mind, and the Club have been keen to build him up to the point he is ready for the physical demands of MLS. His second start of the season came on Saturday, and he was heavily involved in the first goal of the game. The player’s ability to carry the ball and open spaces for teammates could be a big advantage in what remains of the regular season (and beyond).
The game was somewhat disrupted by the dismissal of Alfredo Morales, but prior to that we saw enough from Talles to be excited by his potential.
Maintain Discipline
When speaking after the match Ronny Deila was keen to stress how impressed he was with the character of his group.
Twice in two games NYCFC have been forced to play a man down, and in neither game did the team, staying committed to their vision of soccer. The Norwegian did concede, however, that his side must improve their discipline on the road and play smarter.
There is a case to be made that Alfredo Morales was unlucky to collect two bookings in the way that he did, but if NYCFC are looking for avenues to improve in the weeks ahead then discipline is one.
“We kept ourselves in the game,” Ronny Deila said afterward. “As I said attitude wise, we're very good, we were up for it. At the same time it's a lack of understanding, or maybe discipline. We give them an opportunity to get 2-1. A little bit disappointed about that, but it’s always tough to play away with ten men.”
Be A Goldfish
In the popular TV show Ted Lasso, coach Lasso instructs one of his players to have a memory like a goldfish.
Essentially, forget your mistakes quickly and move forward. NYCFC have the chance to do just that on Tuesday with the visit of FC Dallas. Luchi Gonzalez’s side will pose an interesting test for NYCFC, but the chance to get off the road after two difficult games in front of home supporters could be an important boost.
“We have to evaluate quick and go on,” Ronny Deila said. “We need to get back on the winning track now on Tuesday.”
Jasson Does Well
New York City FC’s depth was tested on Saturday, with Jesús Medina and Maxi Moralez both missing the game through suspension.
That saw Talles Magno and Thiago Andrade come in, while an injury to Santiago Rodríguez forced NYCFC into a first-half change. Andres Jasson may not have had much time to prepare for his arrival, but the youngster did not do himself a disservice with his performance.
Jasson is a dangerous dribbler that has a knack for winning fouls high up the field, and it’s worth remembering he is still very early in his professional career. His ability to step in and step up when the team was reduced to 10 men bodes well for his future.
The former NYCFC academy player is slowly developing as part of the first-team this season, and nights like Saturday will be beneficial for his development in the long run.
