For all manner of reasons, NYCFC’s 2-1 win over Seattle Sounders is one that will stick in the memory banks for some time…
Whether it was the crazy conditions, David Villa’s 50th goal or the Pride Day celebrations, there really was something for everyone on Saturday.
Managing Editor Mark Booth picks out five things we learned…
#Villa50
A man for the big occasions, you always felt David’s 50th MLS goal was going to be an important one.
Coming, as it did, against the reigning MLS champions to tie up the game following Seattle’s against-the-run-of-play opener, this was a vital strike in a key moment of the game.
The 35-year old downplayed the milestone after the game, speaking like a true captain when he placed his half century of goals in a team context.
Villa told NYCFC.com: “I think that a lot of these goals gave points to NYCFC and gave good memories and moments which is the most important thing – I’m working for the fans, for the club.”
The countdown to #VILLA100 begins: 49 to go…
Comeback Kings
Not for the first time this season, NYCFC came from behind to take all three points on Saturday.
On three previous occasions in 2017, Patrick Vieira’s men have recovered from conceding the first goal in the game and gone on to get the W.
For the fourth comeback win of the season, the pattern of scoring was repeated from the last home game against Philadelphia, with NYCFC falling behind against the run of play, before roaring back with two goals to turn it around.
This is no fluke – this is a group of players who have a gameplan that they trust in and a mentality to fight to the end.
A Reaction
Speaking of character and resilience, it’s worth remembering that NYCFC continued another telling statistic with this win.
It’s now 14 months since the boys in blue lost two consecutive games in Regular Season play.
Following the defeat to Red Bulls on Wednesday, a reaction was expected and it was duly delivered by a team full of players with the winning mentality required to, on this occasion, beat the reigning champs.
To do without Ronald Matarrita and Maxi Moralez, two of the reliable players in the squad, only makes it more impressive.
Through the Storm
For a while there, it looked as though we might be heading for a delay in the game at the very least.
The rain which began driving down just before kickoff just did not let up, only increasing in velocity, turning what started out as a slick Etihad Pitch into a field full of puddles which resulted into an often absurd, albeit entertaining, game.
There’s no doubt that these conditions hampered both NYCFC and Seattle’s respective approaches to the game as players’ abilities to read the bounce of the ball was stripped away.
This deluge did not cease until long after the NYCFC equalizer which came from the penalty spot and it was only fitting that the sun should finally come out to play just after the game-clinching goal.
A reminder that soccer is at always at the mercy of Mother Nature and a game that no one in attendance will be forgetting in a hurry.
NYCFC Pride
Sadly, the monsoon-like conditions forced many fans to retreat to the shelter of the back of the stands, but it was still great to see so many rainbow Pride flags and t-shirts and scarves on show from supporters in and around the stadium.
Celebrating our first Pride Day at Yankee Stadium, this show of inclusivity spoke volumes for what this club and what this city stands for.
Roll on Pride Day 2018…
