By: Juan Carlos Maygua | Twitter: Juan_c71
NYCFC remained in Queens after their regular season match over the weekend. The U.S Open Cup brought them back to Belson Stadium to face New England Wednesday night. On paper, it looked to be a rematch of last season’s playoffs, so many expected first-team players to make an appearance. However, both managers had other plans and sent out alternate lineups. The weather made a complete U-turn and brought the cold weather back to make things interesting. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that we were in for a challenging game from start to finish.
Breaking the lock
Being the reigning MLS champion puts special emphasis on anything you do. In terms of the U.S. Open Cup, the end goal is at least to reach the final if you don’t win it. The Boys in Blue are on a good path in that aspect, and the win over New England was a big step towards the objective. Things started well for NYCFC, established control right away. My first impressions suggested that the passing flow had been really good the first 20 minutes, so good that they pushed New England to their own half. But as the minutes passed, It was clear that they were not going to attack. The famous “Parking the bus” approach tends to be frustrating for the team that has to break the defensive wall. NYCFC however, didn’t struggle as much, but slowly became their own enemy.
Having Talles Magno, Thiago Andrade and Tayvon Gray meant speed was the main asset to use against new England. While they did create spaces on the wings, they couldn’t time the last touch correctly. They created good counterattack plays and made combinations in the midfield, but not having the finishing touch destroyed the creativity and purpose of the play. Talles Magno probably had the best chance of the game for NYCFC, but his header just didn’t have enough power to beat the goalkeeper. All credit to Petrovic, because he had two game-changing stops. The opportunity against Talles and a double save from a corner kick in the first half. Efforts that pushed the game to extra time for a winner to be determined.
The manager made the necessary changes to finish the game in 90 minutes. Heber, Castellanos, and Santiago Rodriguez were called into action to break the tie. Having Santiago and Taty together on the field guaranteed an increase in chances. It was a partnership that added freshness to the team flow, especially in the midfield. It’s important to keep in mind that the number of matches these guys played recently would eventually take a toll on them. In addition, the field didn’t help much either, it made the ball bounce more than usual, limiting clean playing transitions. The only ones who seemed to be comfortable were Justin Haak, and goalkeeper Luis Barraza. They both have minutes with the second team at Belson Stadium so NYCFC had an advantage to some extent. However, it was Castellanos who had the winning formula in his boots. The man of the moment once again showcased why he’s so valuable to the team. His movement off the ball and ability to press the rivals always create chances for those around him. Taty was able to press a defender and forced a turnover that left New England in a bad position defensively. Luckily Heber and Santiago were quick to track back and finished the play putting NYCFC in front. But it wouldn’t be an NYCFC match without moments that left us on the edge of our seats. From a yellow card for aggressive play to a fingertip save by Barraza, left many fearing a penalty shootout. But the team remained strong until the whistle blew, earning a place in the next round.
Rodriguez allowed the fans to see a derby a little early this season with the result. The Red Bulls will host NYCFC in the upcoming round, where the winner is a step close to the trophy. Definitely a good way to contribute to the local rivalry. But until then, the team will continue the quest in the regular season against Atlanta United on Saturday.