NYCFC returned from the international break with a 2-2 tie against Eastern Conference rivals Toronto FC on Wednesday night.
Here’s what Managing Editor Mark Booth learned from a rollercoaster evening’s play at Yankee Stadium…
Comeback Run Ended
There was a disappointing end to the night in store for NYCFC as Victor Vazquez stoppage-time goal from the penalty spot denied the boys in blue a fourth comeback win in a row.
It was a bitter blow for Patrick Vieira’s men who had once again recovered from the setback of conceding first to lead going into the 90th minute.
Yangel Herrera will feel he should have provided the insurance goal on 86’ when Mikey Lopez played him through but his heavy first touch allowed Alex Bono in the Toronto goal to come out and smother at his feet.
That led to a nervy finale and a heartbreaking end to the game as Valdez sent Sean Johnson the wrong way from the penalty spot after RJ Allen had fouled Jordan Hamilton inside the box.
A tie against the team directly above you in the table is normally no cause for regret but the manner of this draw left NYCFC coming away feeling like they’d lost two points, rather than gaining one.
Onto Chicago…
Return of Maxi
In happier news, Maxi Moralez returned to the starting lineup for the first time in a month and to say he showed us what we’d been missing would be an understatement.
The 30-year old was the most dangerous player on the field throughout this topsy-turvy encounter, linking together all of NYCFC’s most incisive moves and defending from the front relentlessly, showing no ill effect from his injury layoff.
Moralez has been a revelation since becoming the team’s third DP in the offseason, his near-telepathic link-up play with David Villa being a dazzling feature for NYC when they’re at their best.
He marked his return with a goal that told you everything about what the pocket-sized playmaker has brought to this side…
The finish may have been deflected but the build-up play was the sublime soccer equivalent of death by a thousand cuts as Maxi and David worked their way through Toronto with a succession of clever passes leading to the shot.
Penalty Call?
It was one of those nights where you were left pondering: who’d be a referee?
Both sides came away from the Bronx feeling aggrieved by decisions which went against them but let’s start with the first controversial moment which left NYCFC scratching their collective heads.
Not for the first or last time on the night, Maxi Moralez opened up the Toronto defense with the press before exchanging passes with David Villa and floating into the box.
This progress was ended clumsily, to put it kindly, by Drew Moor, who sent the Argentine playmaker sprawling to the ground with the body check but the referee’s whistle and point to the spot never came, much to the chagrin of those in sky blue.
It wasn’t the last moment of controversy of the night…
VAR Incoming…
Greg Vanney was sent to the stands for contesting referee Jorge Gonzalez’s call to disallow Jay Chapman’s "goal" early in the second half.
Following a lengthy discussion between the official and the linesman, it was deemed that Chapman was in an offside position when the ball glanced off his thigh and rolled over the line.
For the longest time, it seemed as though the goal had been given, only for Gonzalez to award a free-kick.
Predictably, this led to much debate on the imminent introduction of VAR on social media and the role it may play in MLS after the All Star game.
However, this was one contentious decision which didn’t become much easier to unpick even with the benefit of TV replays, so we’ll still have to wait and see if the new officiating system is the silver bullet to bring an end to incorrect refereeing calls.
Next Up…
All you can ask for after a setback is an opportunity to put things right as soon as possible.
Luckily, NYCFC have just that, with another top-of-the-table clash coming up hot on the heels of this one.
Saturday afternoon sees Chicago Fire come to New York City for a game which once again pits 2nd vs. 3rd in the East.
You won’t want to miss it, so make sure you get your tickets below…
