New York City Football Club fell to an injury-time defeat to Orlando City on Sunday.
Here are five points from a frustrating night in Florida…
Stormy Weather
Though Interim Head Coach Nick Cushing did not point to the inclement weather as an excuse for Sunday’s defeat, the conditions certainly played a part in the clash.
During the first half, the players were forced to battle through torrential rain and navigate through puddles on the field, rendering NYCFC’s slick possession-based passing football impossible.
Thankfully the downpour ceased at the break to ensure the second half was playable but there is no denying the impact it had on our gameplan.
Response
Inspired by the half-time team talk, the Boys in Blue came out fired up in the second half and produced a superb comeback to draw level.
The equalizer was well-crafted: Thiago’s fine through-ball threaded into Maxi Moralez’s path and the finish was cool – low into the bottom corner.
Having produced a valiant display in challenging conditions, the last-gasp winner will have been tough to take. With the team having battled so hard to stave off the late Orlando pressure, they will be disappointed not to have hung on for what would have been a deserved point.
Injury List
A first-half injury to Thiago Martins saw another unfortunate addition to the NYCFC medical room.
With Keaton Parks, Alex Callens and Alfredo Morales already sidelined the last thing Cushing and co. needed was another body on the treatment table to add more pressure to the depleted roster.
The extent of Martins’ injury will be confirmed in the coming days but as the Interim Head Coach stated after the Orlando loss, his side are battling through with the resources available, giving their absolute all both on and off the pitch to finish the season strongly.
Gray Steps In
One of the key highlights from the clash at the Exploria Stadium was the performance of stand-in center-back Tayvon Gray.
The right-back, who also impressed from the bench against Chicago Fire as part of a tactical shift, stepped across in Martins’ absence and deputized admirably.
A superb piece of defending thwarted Ercan Kara in his tracks to prevent Orlando from doubling their lead in the first half and the youngster was unfortunate to have ended up on the losing side, following his assured contribution.
No Time To Dwell
With a matter of days before our next game – the visit of D.C. United on Wednesday – the squad must put the disappointment of Sunday’s defeat behind them immediately.
With a fresh focus, the squad can instead look forward as we bid to return to winning ways.
Though it will be a tight turnaround for the squad, Cushing hailed the players’ efforts and attitude throughout this challenging period, and the team will no doubt be ready and raring to go come midweek.
