It was a rematch of the MLS Eastern Conference Final in the Bronx. The Boys in Blue hosted Philadelphia Union after returning from the match in CCL against Comunicaciones. A tough task to say the least, especially after a questionable performance abroad. But the team arrived in good spirits knowing that playing in the Bronx suits them well. Philadelphia on the other hand wanted to take revenge from that playoff defeat. It would also give them a chance to obtain their first-ever win in the Bronx.
Not the best afternoon
In the pre-match press conference, I asked head coach Ronny Deila if there was a chance that the team could prioritize competitions. Especially after the previous performance in Guatemala. He pointed out that the squad had depth and quality to challenge in both domestic and international tournaments, “We want to win everything, were not thinking about games that are two weeks ahead. The team is sharp”. It was a good confidence booster, but the result against Philadelphia Union brought more concerns instead. At least from my perspective, the team was defeated by their own game. Two goals that had set-piece style build-up signaled the defeat for NYCFC.
Nothing worked throughout the whole game. From misplaced passes to no connection on the field, making it impossible to build a response. The fact that the goal came within the first 15 minutes of the game dictated just how exhausted the team was. Yes NYCFC did have some clear chances, Keaton Parks just before halftime, and Castellanos in the final play of the game. I believe that if Keaton’s chance was able to hit the target the story would have been different. Something that I also noticed was the team’s consistency in using crosses to finish plays. They never really tried to shoot from outside the box. Which is something that I would have suggested to change things up. Philadelphia Union also made history after the result gave them their first-ever win in the Bronx.
The frustration came into full effect in the second half. Santiago Rodriguez, Talles Magno, Valentin Castellanos, and Andres Jasson all saw yellow cards. (Jasson had been booked in the first half), but it just goes to show you how disconnected the team was today. Rotations were made to fix things during halftime but the magic wasn’t there. Both Heber and Nicolas Acevedo both did their best to complement the team’s tactical plan. But there are just some days that things just don’t happen. In fact, Acevedo played at a right-back position, completely out of place, but his position was improvised to rest other defensive assets. “The team looks good but were coming from an important stretch of games so were tired”, said Acevedo after the game. I have to say that I understand him and the team after the result. It’s not easy to have top performances when you have played almost 8 games in two weeks, with traveling included. They are human beings after all, and we have to see that side sometimes.
The team will now have a much-deserved break due to the international FIFA date. NYCFC will see the reunion of former teammates Sean Johnson, James Sands, and Gio Reina. The team will return to action on April 2 when they travel to Canada to face Toronto F.C. Hopefully the team gets enough energy for another stretch of consecutive games.
On a personal note, it was great to be back in the stadium! Until next time.