New York City FC lost 1-0 to the Chicago Fire on April 24 at Toyota Park.
Here are Three Things We Learned from the Club's Week 8 match:
1. This team has heart
Facing adversity from the get-go, New York City FC fought hard in the defeat. After surrendering the match's only goal in the 20th minute, the Club was limited to 10 men after Andrew Jacobson was sent off for a tackle on Chicago forward David Accam three minutes later. Head coach Jason Kreis was also forced into two first-half substitutions, having to replace defender Javier Calle and forward Adam Nemec due to injury.
"I’m continually impressed by this team," Kreis said. "They keep fighting and not giving up. I’m pleased with that. I’m pleased with the resolve and the togetherness."
"Obviously, the objective was not to give any more goals away," midfielder Ned Grabavoy said. "Once that happens, the game is out of reach. We were still obviously looking to try to pick up a point somehow, someway."
2. The squad is versatile
Like all athletes, New York City FC players value their time on the field. If it involves playing an unfamiliar position, a player will be more than happy to step up for the good of his club. Chris Wingert, who is normally an outside back, has played in the center of defense the majority of this season. Calle, a midfielder, has started the past three matches at left back. More recently, midfielder Matt Dunn stepped up and played at right back for 52 minutes against the Fire.
"Credit Matt Dunn because I thought he put in a really good effort at right back, which is not his position," Kreis said.
3. The players remain confident
New York City FC players are keeping their heads high despite the Club's recent run of form. The play on the field has improved and they know that will translate to wins at some point.
"I thought we put in an incredible amount of work into the match again, which we’ve done the past three or four matches, yet come up with nothing again, point-wise," Grabavoy said. "So, it’s difficult because we’re going through a tough stretch and not getting any results. Maybe we’re finding out a lot about ourselves as a group and individuals, and maybe that’s the most important thing going forward.”
"I didn't happen, but as I keep telling people, this is a new team," defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe said. "There's growing pains. I want to continue to stay positive, believe in our coaching staff and I think things will start falling our way. We have to continue to work."
New York City FC (1-4-3; 6 points) host the Seattle Sounders (4-2-1; 13 points) at 7 p.m. EDT on May 3 at Yankee Stadium.
