NYCFC – 2
Seattle Sounders FC – 0
Match recap …
Frank Lampard scored his second goal in as many games and Ronald Matarrita scored his first MLS goal to lead New York City FC to a 2-0 win against the Seattle Sounders FC Saturday at CenturyLink Field.
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Lampard put NYCFC in front in the 38th minute, turning toward goal and chesting an RJ Allen cross past Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei for his second goal in as many games.
Lampard had another chance on the hour mark when he received a square ball by Jack Harrison and turned at the top of the box before his deflected shot resulted in an NYCFC corner.
PHOTOS: New York City FC at Seattle Sounders
Matarrita put the finishing touches on a huge road win three minutes from full time, lofting a pass from Mikey Lopez past a helpless Frei, who came out to challenge David Villa following a Seattle turnover.
Photo of the Match ....
How they lined up …
Patrick Vieira made one change to his 4-3-3 from that side that defeated the Philadelphia Union, 3-2, last weekend at Yankee Stadium. Jefferson Mena started for the suspended Jason Hernandez alongside Frederic Brillant in the center of NYCFC’s back four.
Ethan White came on in the 77th minute to replace Tommy McNamara as Vieira went to five in the back. Mikey Lopez came on for Lampard in the 83rd minute and Khiry Shelton stepped on the field in the 89th minute for Jack Harrison.
Man of the Match …
Frank Lampard
Making his second consecutive start, Lampard also scored NYCFC’s first goal for the second time in a week. The Designated Player turned just inside the six-yard box to meet an RJ Allen cross and bounced the ball in off his chest for what proved to be the game-winner.
Lampard also had another quality chance on the hour mark when he turned brilliantly on the ball on a square pass from Jack Harrison, but his attempt took a deflection out for an NYCFC corner.
Key moment ...
David Villa pounced on a pass attempted for Frei, who came off his line to challenge. Mikey Lopez won the ball and fed Ronald Matarrita, who scored the critical late insurance goal
Quote of the Match...
Stats and milestones …
- Frank Lampard scored for the second game in a row
- Ronald Matarrita scored his first Major League Soccer goal
- NYCFC now leads MLS with four road wins
- Saunders collected his third clean sheet of the season
What it means …
With a second consecutive win – and fourth away from home – NYCFC moved into sole possession of second place, just two points behind Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Union. NYCFC returns home for a huge showdown with the New York Red Bulls July 3 at Noon.
Tweet of the Match ....