NYCFC remains undefeated in home openers, draws DC United

NYCFC held their fifth season home opener Sunday, against DC United on their home turf inside Yankee Stadium. NYCFC continued the opening day tie pattern as they concluded the game in a draw (0-0) with United, just as they did last season against Orlando (2-2).

The boys in blue started with high momentum pressure as they kept DC United on their toes, creating opportunities and taking shots. DC retaliated in the same manner as they kept attacking NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson on the net, but he didn’t give in and protected the net.

Alex Ring was closest to opening the scoring for NYCFC in the first period with two long-range strikes. However, one flew just over the left crossbar and the other drew United goalkeeper Bill Hamid’s first great save of the night.

Mitriță displayed a great debut at Yankee Stadium with an exceptional performance, creating chances and working well with Maxi Moralez to develop great chemistry. It was Mitriță who threatened Hamid and drew out the next great stop with a free-kick which had to be beaten away in the early minutes of the second period as City stepped up aggressively looking for their first shot.

On 82′, United’s Luciano Acosta threatened NYCFC by curling the ball towards the net, but Johnson once again was there to swipe it away with an incredible save that at the conclusion of the game helped him be MVP of the game.

“The best player today wasn’t just Sean, it was both keepers. We created many chances in the first half and second half and both keepers played amazing. I’m very happy with Sean, not because his job is to stop the goals, but he has improved every single day when we are trying to build from the back especially here at home,” said Head Coach Torrent.

Both teams managed to contain each other from penetrating their respective defense and scoring until the final minute and concluded the game. NYCFC remained undefeated in their home openers since the first season five years ago.

NYCFC will face off against LAFC next weekend on Sunday, March 17.