The match against Comunicaciones was always going to be difficult. Yes, we had a three-goal advantage but the away goal was with the hosts. In addition, the team was missing one key player in midfield ahead of the game. Santiago Rodriguez didn’t recover from an injury during the match over the weekend. He has been a key asset in pushing the game forward, and despite having players to cover him, the missing piece was noticeable. Something that I did touch upon in my match preview, but I didn’t expect the outcome to be as critical as it was.
Blue City Radio brought up interesting and accurate points that played out during the match. From the defensive tactical approach to how much Maxi Moralez was going to be able to play. This, of course, emphasizes the number of minutes already behind the players up to this fixture. One thing was clear though, we had to strike first. A goal from the start gave us more chances to control the rhythm of the match, so the possibility was there. However, Comunicaciones would put out a performance that was worth the occasion, raising the standards for the upcoming fixtures in the competition. The match itself would start with Comunicaciones taking the initiative. They took advantage of knowing the ground and using speed as their most lethal asset. Unfortunately, this start was overshadowed by controversy after a goal was not called in favor of Comunicaciones, even with VAR involved. They continued to push forward despite the controversy, something that would pay off in the end.
Valentin Castellanos continued his streak in the competition, scoring once again. His free-kick gave NYCFC the advantage in the 30th minute. The goal gave the team breathing space, but “Los Cremas” continued to pursue a goal of their own. An objective that they reached in the 44th minute after Lezcano picked up a bad clearance from the NYCFC. The game was tied at halftime but the aggregate advantage was still in favor of NYCFC. “Los Cremas” had momentum for the second half nonetheless and continued fighting. The first sign was a shot that hit the post in the 47th minute. Talles Magno would answer right back with a goal in the 52nd minute, after a cross from Taty. With two goals in favor, many of us thought it was time to make rotations. A move that affected the team in dramatic proportions.
Acknowledging that the team had another fixture coming up over the weekend, substitutions were ideal. However, the changes shouldn’t have been all at once. Substituting Maxi Moralez and Castellanos at the same time took away an outlet for creativity and attack. The best option was to keep Maxi on for at least 10 more minutes and have him control the midfield with Keaton Parks. But we all have different perspectives on a situation, so who knows what would have happened if things were done differently. But I think we can all agree that everything went downhill after the 60th minute for NYCFC.
Comunicaciones C.F. took advantage of the changes made by the boys in blue. The absence of the rival’s star player gives confidence to any team facing a difficult match. In a surprising turn of events, NYCFC conceded goals in set-pieces, an area that up to this point was one of the team’s strongest assets. From positional awareness to a lack of pressure to defend the plays resulted in Comunicaciones heroic comeback. However, I have to point out the 4th goal by “Los Cremas”. The goal shouldn’t have happened, the fact that nobody attacked the ball in the 87th minute is beyond me. How do you leave so much space for the shot? And the goalkeeper also failed to react having a clear view of the shot. A brutal flaw in the final minutes of such a key game.
A heavy defeat that served as a major learning experience for NYCFC. Despite the result, the team managed to secure a historic spot in the semifinals. The defeat could also force the team to prioritize the competition, saving key players is probably on the agenda moving forward. I understand that you want to have success in every competition, but international success is the next big objective for any club. I end this note to remind everyone that one performance shouldn’t cast doubt on the team. True it was a horrible performance, but this experience can definitely take the team to the next level. Huge props to Comunicaciones for putting up a display to remember. It’s nice to know that you can play two fixtures with home advantage.
NYCFC returns to action on Saturday against Philadephia Union in the Bronx