Credit NYCFC
By Juan Carlos Maygua
After the disappointing result against Columbus Crew last week, the “Boys in Blue” returned to action. The rival today was Montreal, who was responsible for a defeat a couple of weeks ago.
This was enough motivation for NYCFC to chase the win and obtain points in return. The pressure was also mounting on some players ahead of tonight’s match. Valentin Castellanos needs to find the net soon, the more games he goes without scoring, the more frustrated he is going to feel. LuisBarraza was also being questioned after his performances since taking over the Goalkeeper spot. But like anything in life, sometimes the best way to gain experience is by making mistakes, right?
Victory with redemption
In the previous meeting between these two teams, Montreal got the upper hand and exposed NYCFC in the process. “Taty” was the main guy up front alongside Ismael Tajouri, with the task to find the net. Something that Ismael understood from the start. However, the majority of the first half saw both teams studying each other. Taty saw two great chances saved by Montreal’s goalkeeper. Bjorn Johnsen had hit the crossbar in the opening minutes of the game before Castellanos’s goal-scoring opportunities.
The game-changing moment arrived in the 29th minute after a goal kick by Luis Barraza turned into a pass in a matter of seconds. The long ball was not defended correctly between Montreal’s defender and goalkeeper, which helped Ismael Tajouri lob the ball over the goalkeeper. Another goal & start for Tajouri, who in my opinion is getting momentum and is in the fight for future spots in the starting lineup.
In general lines, the team held off against Montreal throughout the whole game. Castellanos was substituted in the final minutes, thus, extending his conflict with the goal. Ronny Deila continues to trust in him and believes that his scoring drought will come to an end sooner than later.
When that occurs,he will become a decisive player in the lineup. Barraza obtained his first victory as a professional and is focused on the upcoming game this Sunday against Orlando City. The game will mark NYCFC’s return to the Bronx after almost two months, a very special return indeed.