NYCFC Goals: Tajouri-Shradi 35’ & 79’, Moralez 87’
Orlando Goals:
Quick Look...
NYCFC made it two wins this season over Orlando City SC with a 3-0 win on Saturday night at Yankee Stadium.
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi scored the first goal of the match in the 35’ when he dropped a defender to set up a pristine left-footed curler past Orlando City goalkeeper Joe Bendik.
Tajouri-Shradi secured his brace on the night in the 79’, when he whipped in a free-kick that found it’s way past everyone and into the Orlando City net.
Maxi Moralez finished off the scoring on the night in the 87’ when he karate-kicked a rebound off of the crossbar home.
NYCFC improved their home record to 6-0-0 on the year and extended their franchise-record home-winning streak to seven matches.
Match Recap...
NYCFC looked to rebound from a loss in Houston as they took on Orlando City SC during Pride Night at Yankee Stadium.
Patrick Vieira’s Starting XI saw three changes from the side that tussled in Texas, with Jesus Medina, Tommy McNamara and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi stepping into the lineup.
The first chance of the match came via NYCFC in the fourth minute, as captain Maxi Moralez whipped in a cross from the right-hand side to Jesus Medina, who headed the cross just over the bar.
Medina’s header remained the best chance of the first 20 minutes as the two sides continued to find their footing in the match.
Orlando City SC soon after began creating chances -- the best coming in the 30’ when forward Josué Colmán hit a right-footed curler just past an outstretched Sean Johnson. Fortunately for the Boys in Blue, the shot clanked off of the post, keeping things level.
Things didn’t remain level for long, however, as NYCFC got the opener five minutes later.
In the 35’, Anton Tinnerholm played Ismael Tajouri-Shradi into the right-side of the 18-yard-box and the 24-year-old did the rest -- shaking his way past a defender before hammering home a beautiful left-footed strike to send NYCFC into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
That 1-0 lead nearly evaporated in 48’ when Orlando City were awarded a penalty after an Alexander Callens foul. Thankfully for NYCFC, Sacha Kljestan’s penalty shot hit the right post and bounced out of play.
Tajouri-Shradi netted his brace in the 79’ to double NYCFC’s lead. The forward whipped in a ball from a free-kick and the ball skimmed its ways through multiple bodies and into the net.
Maxi Moralez sealed the match off in the 87’ with a goal following consecutive crossbar hits by Jesus Medina and substitute David Villa in what was a humorous sequence of events.
NYCFC improved their home record on the year to 6-0-0 and sent their fans home happy on Pride Night.
Key Moment
It was Ismael Tajouri-Shradi’s night as his brace carried the Boys in Blue to victory. But, it was his first goal that proved to be the key moment of the match.
Tajouri-Shradi’s incredible skill on the ball got him the opening he needed to smash home the opener. This bit of brilliance gave NYCFC the lead and the momentum throughout the remainder of the match.
NYCFC.com Star of the Game
(Ismael Tajouri-Shradi)
Tajouri-Shradi’s brace sent NYCFC home with three points and a second win over Orlando City this season.
The 24-year-old’s skill was on display as he maneuvered and finessed his way to Star of the Game. With tonight’s brace, Tajouri-Shradi now has seven goals on the season and proven to be a difference maker in Patrick Vieira’s side during his first season in New York City.
Social Post of the Match…
Stats and Milestones
- Alexander Callens earned his 50th appearance from NYCFC.
- NYCFC are a perfect 6-0-0 at Yankee Stadium this season, extending their franchise-record home winning streak to seven matches.
- Ismael Tajouri-Shradi now has seven goals on the year in his debut season with NYCFC.
How they lined up…
NYCFC XI: Johnson, Ofori, Ibeagha, Callens, Tinnerholm, Ring, Moralez (C), McNamara (Sweat 45’), Medina, Tajouri-Shradi (Lewis 81’), Berget (Villa 65’)
SUBS: Stuver, Hontondji, Awuah, Chanot
What’s Next…
The Hudson River Derby occurs for the second time this season as NYCFC take on the New York Red Bulls in the US Open Cup this on June 6 at Red Bull Arena. The Boys in Blue will then return home to face Atlanta United on June 9.
