The Boys in Blue officially began their title defense against Inter Miami. Luckily for fans, the team gained an important victory off the field after moving the match from Red Bull Arena in New Jersey to Citi Field in Queens. It was an important step since the move assured that the support was going to increase significantly. However, there were other concerns on the sporting side of things. The absence of two important members in the starting XI changed the game plan from the start. Not having Talles Magno and Tayvon Gray not only slowed the build-up the team gained in the last stretch of the regular season but also meant that Miami could use those absences to their advantage. Especially their attacking asset Gonzalo Higuain, who closed the regular season showcasing just how lethal he was in front of goal. Queens didn’t disappoint and provided yet another epic night for soccer in New York City.
One step forward
When a match has a lot on the line it’s best to take the first minutes to study your rival. NYCFC did just that throughout the first 45 minutes. Possession was the main focus, but the passing flow needed to be close to perfect so Miami couldnt pick spaces to find Higuain in the attacking third. In that aspect, the team managed to have good connections between Santiago Rodriguez, Maxi Moralez, and Anton Tinnerholm, holding the ball and making runs down the wings. Defensively, the objective was clear, prevent crosses as much as possible and always have a double marking system on Higuain ( at least that’s how I saw it). Failure to do so would allow him to find the inches of space he needs to find the back of the net. A clear example of that took place in the 22nd minute after he made a run that allowed him to score. However, it was ruled offside and allowed NYCFC another chance to regroup and continue the game plan. But the “Pigeons” did have a few chances of their own with Santiago Rodriguez and Heber. The Uruguayan had a heavy touch that prevented him to stay one on one with the goalkeeper. Heber’s chance had a bit of misfortune since his chip was cleared off the line, and the second clearance almost turned into an own goal. Despite the missed chances, keeping the game leveled at halftime was good business for NYCFC.
Things Intensified a bit more for the second half with the visitors taking the initiative. Once again Gonzalo Higuain challenged the defensive line creating space for a lethal shot from distance. But Sean Johnson was there to block the shot, adding another great performance ahead of the World Cup. Unfortunately for Miami that was the last play they created in the match. NYCFC managed to break Miami’s defense in the 62nd minute after Santiago Rodriguez received a long pass that allowed him to draw three defenders toward him. Gabriel Perreira was left with enough space to curl the ball to the top corner of the net, giving NYCFC the advantage. Maxi Moralez joined the scoreboard only a few minutes after Perreira’s goal. The collective build-up to his goal displayed how well the team has managed to come together in the last few weeks. The final two touches from Tinnerholm and Santi left Maxi Moralez with a good angle to beat the goalkeeper with a crossed shot. The play itself gave the feeling to be a knockout hit for Miami and to some extent, it turned out to be just that. The defense allowed more opportunities following NYCFC’s second goal. Heber took advantage of one of those costly mistakes and scored the third and final goal of the match. The champions couldnt ask for a better outcome, the attendance was great and the title defense continues. The Boys in Blue now head to Montreal on Sunday with hopes to reach the conference finals, but the victory was one important step forward. Last but not least, congratulations to Maxi Moralez for scoring 100 goals throughout his professional career.
A legend’s bittersweet farewell
Miami’s defeat had other implications aside from concluding a season away from home. It also meant that Gonzalo Higuain played his last competitive match as a professional. The legendary striker wasn’t able to get the farewell he wanted, but he pushed his team forward until the very end. His final press conference allowed me to see a completely different side of the player that competed in the best leagues in the world. The Young player left Argentina from River Plate and managed to have great seasons with Real Madrid, Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan leaving a mark on the game. While the disappointment was deeply felt, he was happy to reflect on his career. He ruled out management sadly but highlighted the importance of mental health in the modern game. A great player with an even greater career said goodbye hoping that people remember him for his values as a person more than for his accomplishments as a player. He will now spend time with his family and support Argentina from home.
“Despues del futbol las llamadas se acaban, los amigos se van. Cada quien me recordara de forma diferente, pero espero que la mayoria me recuerde por la persona que soy. Por ser un buen tipo, con buenos valores por encima de todo”.
– Gonzalo Higuain