New York City FC suffered a disappointing defeat on Sunday against Red Bulls.
Here's Five Points from a tough trip to New Jersey.
Callens Stands Tall
It’s been a busy week for Alex Callens.
The Peruvian defender went viral on TikTok after a clip of his recovery run and tackle on Lionel Messi racked up seven-figure views, but he was back in blue on Sunday afternoon for NYCFC. While the result may not have gone the way Callens wanted, his performance was once again imperious.
The defender was rarely beaten, and when he was he managed to recover enough to stop Red Bulls benefitting. His first half recovery to stop Omir Fernandez from scoring typified his commitment to the cause, and with a series of tests coming in the next few weeks it could prove vital having someone like Callens at the heart of defence.
Out Of Sync
New York City FC have played some of the most exciting and entertaining soccer in MLS this season, and started the campaign in brilliant fashion.
So much of the success surrounding that play was built around establishing a rhythm and tempo on the field, but that was frustratingly absent for periods of the first half on Sunday. Things improved somewhat in the second period, with NYCFC able to further control possession and create chances, but Ronny Deila was right to point to simplicity in his post-match press conference.
Sometimes it’s not about the result that just happened, it’s about how you respond to it.
Thiago Shows Something
It’s not unfair to say that Thiago Andrade had a memorable start to life with NYCFC.
The Brazilian youngster has pace and energy in abundance, but he is still refining other aspects of his game. Of late, Thiago has found most of his opportunities in the first team coming via the substitutes bench.
That was certainly the case on Sunday. Thiago entered the field at the half in place of Jesús Medina, and offered the team pace, industry, and a threat in behind. That could be an important contrast to the hold-up play of Taty Castellanos, and it will have done enough to catch the eye of Ronny Deila.
Big Deep Breath
The team’s current run of form is not something anyone is taking lightly, and with five games left to play, it’s vital that the team start to collect points.
It’s at these high-pressure moments that impulse takes over, but we all know this group, we all know their quality, and sometimes taking a step back (and a big deep breathe) allows you to take a step forward.
Thank You
The Bronx Blue was out in force on Sunday for the third installment of the Hudson River Derby, continuing a trend of fantastic support this season.
While the Hudson River Derby results from 2021 haven’t been satisfying, seeing the continued level of support in the stands and before the game has been nothing but a tremendous source of pride.
