NYCFC – 1
LA Galaxy – 0
Match recap …
David Villa scored the game’s lone goal in the sixth minute to help lift New York City FC to a massive 1-0 win over the LA Galaxy in front of a crowd of 35,509 at Yankee Stadium Saturday afternoon.
NYCFC (11-7-8) extended their lead atop the Eastern Conference to four points over Toronto FC in their fourth consecutive match without a loss, while LA Galaxy (9-4-11) had their nine-game unbeaten streak snapped.
Villa pounced on the rebound of a shot by Ronald Matarrita that LA Galaxy goalkeeper Clement Diop got a piece of and tapped in from the edge of the six for his MLS-leading 16th goal of the season.
Villa had an opportunity for a second goal in the 35th minute. Andrea Pirlo picked off a Daniel Steres attempted clearance and slipped a pass to Villa, whose first shot was saved by Diop. Villa’s second chance with his left foot went off the outside netting.
Both teams went end-to-end two minutes from halftime with Josh Saunders batting away a Nigel De Jong bicycle kick and Diop parrying away a Jack Harrison shot for an NYCFC corner.
Harrison put a shot just over the crossbar from 20 yards out in the 66th minute. Ten minutes later, Pirlo put a free kick from 22 yards out over the net.
PHOTOS: New York City FC vs LA Galaxy
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How they lined up …
Patrick Vieira made four changes from the side that drew 3-3 at Columbus last Saturday. Returning to the starting lineup was rookie Jack Harrison, who started on the right of NYCFC’s three-man front line. Ronald Matarrita returned from an ankle injury to make his first start since July 10, Jefferson Mena stepped in for a suspended Maxime Chanot at center back and Jason Hernandez replaced RJ Allen at right back.
RJ Allen came on in the 72nd minute, replacing Tommy McNamara. He slotted in at he left back, pushing Matarrita up the field. In the 83rd minute, Federico Bravo came on for Frank Lampard to provide additional defensive coverage.
The final substitution came two minutes later when Steven Mendoza replaced Matarrita.
Man of the Match …
David Villa
The NYCFC captain put in another tremendous effort to help secure a massive three points. In addition to scoring his league-leading 16th goal of the season, Villa remained a threat throughout the match.
He had two chances in the 35th minute, but LA Galaxy goalkeeper Clement Diop saved the first and the rebound went off the outside netting. Despite the heat and humidity, Villa got stronger as the match went on and was denied again by Diop at the near post in the 81st minute.
Photo of the Match …
Key moment …
It came early, but David Villa provided the difference in the sixth minute when he knocked in his MLS-leading 16th goal of the season.
Jack Harrison started the sequence with a ball to Ronald Matarrita, who went on a bombing run down the left side. LA Galaxy goalkeeper Clement Diop got a piece of Matarrita’s shot on his second touch and Villa pounced on the rebound for what proved to be the game’s lone goal.
Quote of the Match …
Stats and milestones …
- NYCFC remains atop the Eastern Conference with 41 points.
- NYCFC is now 4-1-1 in their last six games at Yankee Stadium.
- David Villa scored his league-leading 16th goal of the season.
- NYCFC extended their undefeated streak to four games.
What it means …
NYCFC extended their lead atop the Eastern Conference to four points in front of second place Toronto FC with the victory, their fourth in their last six matches at Yankee Stadium.
NYCFC returns to the road next Sunday night to take on Eastern Conference rival Orlando City SC.
Tweet of the Match …
