D.C. United Goals:
New York City Football Club Goals: Callens 5’, Castellanos 45+5’ PK
Quick Read
New York City Football Club were on the hunt for a first away win in MLS this season as they took on D.C. United. The Boys in Blue took an early lead when Alexander Callens headed a Chris Gloster cross in after five minutes. The lead was doubled in first half injury time via the penalty spot, with Taty Castellanos producing a Panenka. Those pair of goals would prove enough for NYCFC to take all three points on the night via a 2-0 success.
Match Recap
New York City Football Club were on the road Wednesday night as they took on D.C. United at Audi Field.
Head Coach Ronny Deila made two changes to the team that overcame Columbus Crew last time out as Alfredo Morales and Thiago Andrade came in for Maxi Moralez and Gabriel Pereira.
The game began at a frenetic pace and saw the hosts earn the first real chance of the game when Brad Smith struck the post from close range after two minutes.
It would be the Cityzens that snatched the first goal, however, with defender Alexander Callens the man to break the deadlock in the fifth minute.
The Peruvian international had teammate Chris Gloster to thank for the opportunity after the outside back whipped in a delightful cross from the left that Callens headed home.
Both sides were now trading chances and D.C. would again hit the post in the 13th minute after Sofiane Djeffal’s effort from the edge of the area clipped the left post and bounced away.
The intensity of proceedings did not slow down and in the 19th minute, D.C. almost earned a look at goal after pressing Sean Johnson in possession.
No sooner had NYCFC managed to recapture the ball then Johnson’s opposite number Rafael Romo was under pressure from Taty Castellanos.
The forward’s determination earned him a slice of luck and he nicked the ball away from Romo before being caught by the shot-stopper.
On the half-hour mark, Castellanos got his first real look at goal via a corner kick, but his headed attempt drifted wide of the post.
The next City player to come close was Keaton Parks. The midfielder was exerting control in the middle of the park and fired off a stinging drive from distance in the 36th minute that forced Romo to tip it over.
On the stroke of half-time NYCFC did manage to double their lead after a corner kick was reviewed by VAR for a possible handball.
A spot-kick was subsequently given by referee Chris Penso and after grabbing the ball Castellanos calmly produced a Panenka finish to double the lead.
The second half brought with it no changes for NYCFC, but Deila turned to his bench in the 55th minute to introduce Maxime Chanot in place of Thiago Andrade and switch the team to a back-three system.
Callens was proving a consistent threat from set-plays and after a corner broke deep to Nicolás Acevedo he curled in a great ball that Callens headed into the hands of Romo.
NYCFC made their second change of the evening in the 72nd minute when Malte Amundsen replaced Chris Gloster - the American putting in another solid showing.
D.C. United were still posing a threat and in the 76th minute Johnson was called into action with a fantastic reaction save after Steve Birnbaum's header was deflected toward goal by Callens.
Five minutes later a turnover on halfway allowed the hosts another look at Johnson's goal following a quick breakaway, but Taxiarchis Fountas dragged his shot wide.
As injury time approached, Deila made his final substitutions of the evening as Parks and Talles Magno departed the game in place of Gedion Zelalem and Héber.
That would prove to be the final notable act of the evening and with the final whistle came confirmation of a 2-0 victory for NYCFC.
Player of the Match
What's Next
Next up for New York City Football Club is a meeting with Chicago Fire at Citi Field on Sunday, May 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00PM EST (YES Network/NYCFC.com/Radio). You can buy tickets to the game here.
