New York City Football Club produced a 6-0 victory against Real Salt Lake at Yankee Stadium.
Here are Five Points from a big day in the Bronx.
Taty’s Back
“I’m not going crazy in MLS, but the goals will come,” Taty Castellanos said.
Castellanos knew better than to doubt himself in front of the goal. While the forward had already broken his duck for 2022, he went into Sunday’s game still waiting for his first goal in MLS this season. The 2021 Golden Boot Winner knew this year would be important in terms of reaffirming his place as one of the leading forwards in the league.
On Sunday, the floodgates well and truly opened for Taty. His four goals not only made him the first NYCFC player to manage that feat in game, but also went some way to showing why he is so highly regarded. In pressure moments – like the playoffs last season – Castellanos has often delivered. His headed opener showed his aerial prowess, while his composure in front of goal was evident for both of his penalty kicks.
For that display of talent he was rewarded with a stroke of good luck for the fourth; his deflected effort looping over a helpless Zac MacMath. The 23-year-old, like many of his teammates, clearly takes something from playing at home. Four more home games await during this stretch and you’d be unwise to bet against Castellanos adding more to his tally.
Taty’s back, and that should unsettle defenders across the league.
Six Of The Best
It’s never boring in the BX.
NYCFC have had some memorable match ups at Yankee Stadium down the years, and especially under Ronny Deila. Last season, NYCFC scored four goals or more on four different occasions, including the record setting 6-0 victory against D.C. United in October.
That was matched on Sunday against RSL, and comes weeks after the team managed to beat CF Montréal 4-1. The glut of goals at Yankee Stadium represents a commitment by the Club and Deila to play attacking football from the first whistle to the last. Opponents are rarely allowed a moment’s rest, and that intensity is matched by a passionate home crowd and an attractive style of play with quick short combinations.
Sunday was another great day at Yankee Stadium, and here’s to many more.
Clean Sheet
While goals in soccer will always be the main focus of enjoyment, there is a joy to be taken from defensive resolve.
A clean sheet is a testament to the team’s hard work, especially those at the back. NYCFC secured their second clean sheet in MLS this season against Real Salt Lake, reducing their opponent to an expected goals of just 0.76.
When RSL were able to get an effort on goal they found a formidable presence in Sean Johnson. The Club’s captain produced a brilliant smothering save toward the end of the game to maintain NYCFC’s advantage and help further build the team’s defensive confidence.
Deila has set the goals high for the team this year as they look to defend their MLS Cup crown. Earning clean sheets on a consistent basis will be key in reaching their targets, and for that reason Sunday was another important step on the road to a strong defensive record.
Thiagoals
It didn’t take long for Thiago Andrade to make a big impression on NYCFC fans.
His goals against New England Revolution and D.C. United last season showed fans why the Club were keen to sign him. At 21, Thiago is considered a player for the long-term, and this season he is already enjoying a regular involvement in the first team. Last year he managed just shy of 1,000 minutes in the regular season, while this year he has managed 258 minutes already.
Those six games have returned three goals for the Brazilian, including a brace on Sunday. Displaying a blend of pace and intelligence to time his runs well and find space, the forward is proving a danger out wide.
The start of each season is a chance for young players to write an exciting chapter in their soccer story, and for Thiago, there has been an exciting start.
Moving Forward
Ronny Deila made no secret of the fact his side were still disappointed to exit the Concacaf Champions League.
The Club were desperate to secure the title, and despite a spirted effort they were unable to turn around the deficit. The team’s second half performance on Wednesday set a high standard, and that put pressure on the team to replicate that level of performance Sunday. The team delivered, and in doing so they took a major step forward. The upcoming run of home games will be beneficial as NYCFC try to establish themselves atop the Eastern Conference.
The rest of the season is ahead, there is still so much soccer to play, and that potential should only excite everyone connected with the Club.
