New York City FC Goals: Castellanos 51’
Chicago Fire Goals:
Quick Read
New York City FC were hoping for back-to-back wins on Wednesday night as they welcomed Chicago Fire to the Bronx. A quiet first half saw few chances created by either side. In the second period, a surging run by Malte Amundsen drew a penalty for NYCFC that was converted by Taty Castellanos. In the end that would prove enough for NYCFC to secure all three points against a resurgent Chicago Fire side.
Match Recap
New York City FC were keen to secure a boost to their playoff hopes midweek as they took on Chicago Fire at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday.
Head Coach Ronny Deila made no changes to the XI that produced a Club record 6-0 victory against D.C. United on Saturday, and that continuity allowed NYCFC to start the game full of confidence as they sought to test the Fire’s resolve early on.
At the other end, a long ball in behind found Fabian Herbers free just outside the box, but his effort was tipped onto the post by Sean Johnson.
NYCFC almost took the lead in the 25th minute when some industry down the left by Maxi Moralez saw him head the ball towards Thiago Andrade – his cute flick clipping the post.
The Brazilian was proving a problem with his pace, and his willingness to be direct with the ball at his feet was causing Chicago problems.
In the 35th minute, Maxi Moralez thought he had finally broken the deadlock after Taty Castellanos found him with a smart through ball only for the assistant referee flagging the goal for offside.
The second half started with NYCFC controlling possession, and their first real chance of the half came when Keaton Parks crashed an effort from distance against the bar.
NYCFC were then handed a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot in the 51st minute after Amundsen was felled inside the box. That allowed Castellanos to step up and he buried the penalty low and hard into the bottom left corner.
The game was now opening up as Chicago searched for an equalizer and that created several opportunities on the break for NYCFC to try and add a second.
Ronny Deila decided to turn to his bench in the 64th minute and that saw Thiago depart the field in place of Jesús Medina.
The hosts were still pushing for a second goal, and in the 70th minute a pass from Castellanos found Alfredo Morales on the edge of the area, but his curled effort failed to find the target.
NYCFC's second substitute of the game would arrive in the 75th minute, with Parks departing the field in place of Gedion Zelalem. The American midfielder would be tasked with maintaining control in the middle of the field and did so well.
Following a strong showing, the 86th minute saw a third new face enter the game as Santiago Rodríguez departed the field in place of Andres Jasson. That would be the last act of note and allowed NYCFC to secure their second win in the space of four days as they seek a spot in the playoffs.
Heineken Man of the Match
How We Lined Up
What's Next
Next up for New York City FC is a meeting with Inter Miami at DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday, October 30, 2021. The kickoff is scheduled for 1:30PM EST (Univision/TUDN).
