New York City Football Club secured a point on the road last night against Inter Miami.
The two sides played out a 1-1 tie.
Here are Five Points from the game...
Santi Magic
Although it didn’t deliver three points we should not ignore the brilliance of Santiago Rodríguez’s goal on Saturday.
The forward took on three Miami defenders before firing in a shot from a tight angle against a very good goalkeeper in Drake Callender. A goal worthy of winning any game it’s one Rodríguez should reflect upon with tremendous pride - a moment of magic that helped the game explode into life.
Climb
The playoff positions in the Eastern Conference is delicately poised at present.
Only five points separate Charlotte FC in 14th and NYCFC in 8th place. The Boys in Blue started the evening in 9th place after a string of good results helped them climb above the line at the expense of D.C. United.
Saturday’s tie against Miami delivered NYCFC a point and actually helped them climb the table due to CF Montréal’s road defeat to Orlando City SC. Therefore, while it may not have been the result they wanted, it is the one that pushed them a little closer to the postseason.
Defensive Action
Three games almost became four on Saturday as NYCFC’s clean sheet streak ended.
Although the team wasn’t able to record a fourth consecutive shutout, it shouldn’t go unnoticed how well the defensive unit has performed of late. Miami have managed two goals or more in five of their last seven MLS games.
That became five in eight on Saturday thanks to some brilliant defending from the back four and some calm goalkeeping from Matt Freese. The team always tries to find opportunities for improvement, and they will be keen to begin the next clean sheet streak on Saturday when they face D.C. United
Onward
NYCFC’s success of late has been built on mental strength.
The team hasn’t got too high after victories and that mental fortitude will serve them well. Although Saturday’s result was difficult to take given how late Miami’s equalizer arrived, it does not change the fact the team collected a point and extended their unbeaten streak to a sixth game.
They can take that momentum with them to Washington D.C. when they take on Wayne Rooney’s D.C. United, with Both teams are pushing for a playoff spot.
La Familia
Everywhere the team goes they feel the support of New York behind them.
That was no different on Saturday in Miami as you made your presence felt. That sense of togetherness has been vital this season and will remain important during the final weeks of the MLS Regular Season.
Until next week, thank you once again.
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