San Jose Goals: Quintana 3'
NYCFC Goals: Tinnerholm 49', Moralez 59'
Quick Look…
New York City FC stayed undefeated for the 2018 MLS season after coming from behind to defeat the San Jose Earthquakes at the Avaya Stadium.
Anton Tinnerholm and Maxi Moralez scored the turnaround goals after Yeferson Quintana had given the hosts an early lead.
Match Recap…
New York City FC arrived in San Jose looking to preserve their excellent unbeaten start to the year.
Following three wins and a draw, confidence was high but City's preparations were dealt a pre-match blow when David Villa reported discomfort after the warm-ups and withdrew from the XI, paving the way for Jo Inge Berget to make his second consecutive start.
The hosts quickly capitalized on the late disruption, opening the scoring with the first opportunity of the game: Yefferson Quintana's stooped near-post header which left Sean Johnson with no chance.
A week earlier, NYCFC had twice recovered from losing positions at New England and they set about doing it again, gaining a foothold in the match with measured build-up play.
Although the ground underfoot wasn't always conducive to free-flowing football, the away side grew in confidence and began asking questions of the Earthquakes backline with dangerous balls in from wide areas.
The Boys in Blue finally caught a clear sight of Andrew Tarbell's goal when Herrera won a free-kick in presentable range on 26'.
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi stepped up and ended his streak of his every shot for NYCFC resulting in a goal, although his wicked, dipping effort showed excellent technique and only just fizzed over the bar.
The momentum had definitively shifted and City carved out their best chance of the half two minutes before the interval following delightful interplay between Maxi Moralez and Jesus Medina which gave Berget the chance to open his account.
Unfortunately for the away side, the Norwegian's shot was blocked but Head Coach Patrick Vieira will have been encouraged by the sight of the Earthquakes defense being prised open for the first time.
After the break, Vieira switched Berget and Medina to bring the Paraguayan into a more central role but it was Tinnerholm who marked his return with the equalizer on 49'
A near-replica of his Home Opener strike vs. LA Galaxy, the Swede raced onto a loose ball and thundered a volley in off the crossbar in similarly explosive style.
10 minutes later, they'd turned it around.
This time, Tajouri-Shradi was the architect with some delightful footwork to find the space to play in Maxi Moralez for his third goal of the season, a deflected strike over the goalkeeper.
Sean Johnson came to his side's rescue on a number of occasions in the final 20 minutes with some big saves but City deserved their three points for another committed, resolute display on the road.
We march on undefeated.
Key Moment…
City had few chances to test Tarbell in the first half but the goalkeeper was grasping at thin air when Tinnerholm equalized with yet another incredible volley.
On the day that Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his arrival in MLS in thrilling fashion, Anton reminded his fellow Malmo alum that he's not the only Swede in the league.
NYCFC.com Star of the Game…
Sean Johnson
Although City were good value for the win, they were indebted to their goalkeeper for a magnificent performance as he made a number of big saves to keep the score at 2-1.
Social Post of the Match…
Stats and Milestones
- NYCFC's record for 2018 is now P5 W4 L0 D1
- Anton Tinnerholm returned to the XI for the first time since the Home Opener
- Tinnerholm scored his second NYCFC goal in as many games
- Maxi Moralez scored his third goal of the season
- NYCFC have rescued 34 points from trailing positions since 2016
- City have still never lost to San Jose Earthquakes (W3 D1 L0)
How They Lined Up…
NYCFC XI: Johnson, Abdul-Salaam, Chanot (C), Callens, Tinnerholm, Ofori, Herrera, Moralez, Medina (Awuah 90+5'), Tajouri-Shradi (Hountondji 89'), Berget (Ibeagha 69')
SUBS: Stuver, Sands, McNamara, Lewis
What’s Next…
NYCFC now takes a 10-day break from matches before welcoming Real Salt Lake to Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, April 11 at 7pm ET where we'll be celebrating the first of our Borough Nights (Brooklyn & Staten Island). Get your tickets below...
