FC Dallas Goals: Acosta 19mins
NYCFC Goals: McNamara 68mins
A Quick Look...
New York City FC kept their solid road form going at the home of reigning Supporters’ Shield holders. Kellyn Acosta scored the opening goal after 20 minutes before Tommy McNamara equalized with a brave header halfway through the second period. That leaves NYCFC with a 5-3-2 record through 10.
What Happened...
In this third-ever meeting between FC Dallas and NYCFC, Patrick Vieira made one change to his lineup, bringing in Tommy McNamara for Yangel Herrera.
Both sides had canceled each other out at a sweltering Toyota Stadium for the opening 15’ – that was until Jack Harrison had the chance to add to his four MLS goals with a volley on the turn but the shot fizzed past the post.
Four minutes later, FC Dallas opened the scoring with their first opportunity of the game.
Following a goalmouth scramble just outside the Blue box, Maxi Urruti touched it towards Kellyn Acosta who reacted first, firing low to the side of Sean Johnson for his third goal of the campaign.
Despite NYCFC’s domination of the possession battle, the hosts looked the more dangerous side in the attacking third throughout the first half but David Villa and Maxime Chanot did have a couple of half chances in the final seconds before the interval.
Those opportunities seemed to imbue Vieira’s men with a confidence they took into the second half as the pressing of Villa and Rodney Wallace almost brought around the equalizer as they forced goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez into a scuffed clearance which almost flew into his own net.
However, it was FC Dallas who went close to doubling their advantage on 53’ - and they would have - if not for a truly world class save from Johnson who somehow fingertipped Urruti’s stinging drive onto the underside of the crossbar.
At the other end, Harrison was inches away from equalizing with an excellent left-footed daisycutter on 62’ as NYCFC continued their improvement after the break, eventually earning their just rewards.
Without the absent Andrea Pirlo, Villa assumed set-piece responsibilities and crashed a free-kick off the crossbar but there was Tommy, who bravely went in where it hurt to head in the rebound.
Johnson was once again the hero a few minutes later, helping to earn a creditable point with another absolutely stunning save to deny Tesho Akindele who had broken clear.
Both sides pushed hard to edge what had been an exciting end-to-end game in the final minutes but it ended 1-1 which was a fair result on the balance of play.
Key Moment...
They say the marker of a truly great save is if you would attach any blame to the goalkeeper if they hadn’t got there.
By that criteria, Sean Johnson’s stop from Urruti certainly qualified - with interest…
Coming as it did with FC Dallas already a goal ahead, it proved to be a vital stop, especially seeing as NYCFC equalized just a few minutes later.
Man of the Match...
Sean Johnson
The NYCFC goalkeeper has slotted straight into this team since signing from Chicago Fire in the offseason and this was his best performance so far.
He had no chance with the Dallas goal but he ensured Major League Soccer's only unbeaten side would not breach his net again with a couple of truly world class saves.
His first one from Urruti may have earned him the MOTM award on its own but his second from Akindele was arguably even better as he got down low and got an almighty strong palm to the shot to keep it out.
Social Post of the Game...
Stats and Milestones...
- Tommy McNamara made his second start of the 2017 season
- Mikey Lopez was in a gameday squad for the first time this year
- NYCFC haven’t kept a clean sheet since April 14
- Kellyn Acosta scored his third goal of the season
- Tommy McNamara scored his second goal of the season
- FC Dallas are still the only unbeaten side in the league
How They Lined Up...
Tommy McNamara returned to the NYCFC XI for his second start of the season in place of Yangel Herrera as the only change from last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Atlanta United.
Elsewhere, it was as you were, with Alex Ring and Maxi Moralez making up the midfield trio ahead of a back four which started its third successive game.
Ben Sweat retained his place for a third consecutive match at left-back, while Ethan White, Maxime Chanot and Alexander Callens lined up as the rest of the back four ahead of Sean Johnson in goal.
The prolific front three of Rodney Wallace, Jack Harrison and David continued up top as NYCFC chased a third road win in a row.
What's Next?
NYCFC are back in road action on Wednesday night when Vieira's boys take on Real Salt Lake at the Rio Tinto Stadium at 9pm ET.
