New York City Football Club began their preseason schedule with a game against Barcelona S.C of Ecuador.
Head Coach Nick Cushing named a strong starting XI for the game that included a mix of first-team players and youngsters as they adjusted to their first competitive minutes of 2024.
The Boys in Blue made several changes at halftime as Cushing sought to share the minutes among the group.
Both sides started the game at high speed, and leading the press for NYCFC was forward Santiago Rodríguez.
At the other end of the field, Justin Haak proved an important presence by quelling several Barcelona attacks.
One of NYCFC’s best opportunities during the first half came via a set-piece – Rodríguez forcing Barcelona’s goalkeeper into a wonderful save.
Elsewhere, Malachi Jones was keen to make an impression and a driving run saw him escape a challenge before squaring the ball to Rodríguez who was fouled.
NYCFC finished the half the stronger of the two sides as their press caused Barcelona problems, but it did not result in a goal.
The Boys in Blue made a number of changes after the break as they sought to hand the rest of the traveling roster competitive minutes.
The start of the second period brought about an early opportunity for NYCFC to take the lead following good combination play by Keaton Parks and Maximo Carrizo.
Despite that early promise, it would be the visitors who took the lead early into the second period.
Arriving from a corner, the ball was whipped toward the near post and after Francisco Fydriszewski hit the woodwork with his first attempt he promptly converted the rebound.
In response, NYCFC continued to press their opponent in the hope of forcing a mistake, with a tight contest now unfolding. With both teams eagerly searching for the next goal clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
NYCFC XI: Arroyave, Fernández, Freese, Haak, Ilenič, Jones, Martins, McFarlane, Rodríguez, Sands, Segal
