NYCFC pulled up to the Sunshine State in rough shape: four matches on the road – zero points to show for it. But, despite a largely underwhelming performance, the Pigeons leave Disney World with a draw that somehow feels more valuable than “just a point”.
The match started exactly how the NYCFC faithful feared it would. Orlando found the back of the net in the 7th minute courtesy of their truly gigantic Austrian striker, Ercan Kara, who confidently nodded home a cross unmarked at the top of the six.
Luis Barraza, Thiago Martins, and Maxime Chanot were left staring at one and other, trying to decide who was to blame for such an easy opening opener.
It didn’t get much better from there, as City fell back into their recent rhythm of possession without potency. Lots of passes were completed, but very few chances were created as a result. Santi Rodriguez looked promising at times. Gabriel Pereira looked promising at times. But, if we’re being honest with ourselves, neither looked particularly likely to find the back of the net – no one in sky blue did.
But, in contrast to what we saw from Nick Cushing on Saturday, we saw some personnel changes as the match went on. Talles Magno came on early for an injured Matí Pellegrini in the 9th minute, and Tayvon Gray was swapped for a more attacking Mitja Ilenič in the 63rd minute, which were both upgrades in my opinion.
But, the most impactful substitute was one that was made at halftime: Gabriel Segal for Richy Ledezma.
That’s a very odd sentence to type in all honesty, as Richy is a USMNT capped baller on loan from a strong European side, and Segal is the joint-lowest paid player on City’s roster according to the MLSPA’s salary Guide that dropped earlier this week.
But, on his birthday, Segal had himself the moment of a lifetime, slipping free at the back post for the sliding finish from a well-placed Talles Magno cross for the leveler in the 89th minute. Out of seemingly nowhere, a massive goal was scored, a massive point was secured, and the NYCFC faithful were given something to smile about.
While at the end of the day it’s just a single point against the 10th place side in the Eastern Conference, it somehow feels like more than that. It felt like a turning point.
You could see this from the Jesse Marsch-esque team talk lead by Thiago Martins after the match on the pitch at Exploria Stadium. Starters, squad players, coaches and staff locked arms in a circle at midfield and listened as the Brazilian center half rallied the troops with what looked like a truly impassioned speech.
I have no idea what he said, but I’m hoping the punchline went something like, “this is where we turn things around.”
Now, NYCFC return home for a much-needed break, as they’ll have nine days to rest, recover, and reset ahead of their clash with Philly on May 29th at Yankee Stadium.