The CONCACAF Champions League returned ahead of schedule for the start of the upcoming MLS season. The Boys in Blue hosted Santos de Guapiles for the second leg of the round of 16. California was home away from home for NYCFC, a bit strange but logistically it was a good move. The defending champions begin their season against LA Galaxy on Sunday, so the decision to play there saved the team time and energy for the first fixture of the domestic competition. The team and staff arrived confident in obtaining a result that allowed them to secure a place in the CCL quarterfinals. Santos arrived under pressure after losing in Costa Rica last week.
NYCFC had a position to cover in the starting 11 after losing Santiago Rodriguez with a red card. The man for the job was Thiago Andrade, joining Castellanos and Talles Magno in the attacking line. The rest of the squad remained the same and got things going as soon as the referee blew his whistle. NYCFC missed clear chances in front of goal but managed to outplay Santos throughout the match. Alfredo Morales opened the score in the 32nd minute after he was left unmarked in a corner kick. This was a special occasion for Morales as he scored his first goal for NYCFC. A perfect start for him this season, especially after missing out on the first leg of the series. Maxime Chanot also took advantage of the defensive mistakes made by Santos. He picked up a rebound and his shot found the back of the net, despite having a Santos defender block the shot. It looked to be game set & match by the 36th minute already up 2-0 with Santos unable to respond.
The second 45 minutes allowed for energy management at least for NYCFC. With an aggregate score of 4-0 already in their favor, it was time to assess movements in advance for the regular season-opening match. Alexander Callens made way for Vuk Latinovic by halftime. Heber and Andres Jasson also saw action early in the second half. The changes didn’t affect the team’s chemistry and allowed more ball possession in the midfield. Thiago Andrade and Talles Magno combined in the 80th minute for the third goal of the game. A good cross by Andrade met little to no challenge for Talles Magno to push the ball into the back of the net. Castellanos was close to adding his name to the scoreboard as well, but his free-kick shot hit the post. If that wasn’t enough for Santos, they managed to give NYCFC the fourth goal. Talles Magno was left with room to beat the goalkeeper despite the shot’s deflection from a defender.
In general lines, the team looks ready to begin the title defense this season. The team has understood the philosophy behind Ronny Deila’s tactics. NYCFC advances to the quarter-finals where they will face Comunicaciones from Guatemala. Another tricky rival that will bring their best game against the Boys In Blue. But for now, the team prepares to open the season in hopes to repeat the historic championship run.