NYCFC continue with 3rd draw of the season

NYCFC welcomed LAFC to the Bronx for the first time, aiming for that first victory of the season following draws vs. Orlando and D.C.

It was the second time both teams faced off against each other, following the 2-2 tie at Banc of California Stadium in 2018.

Head Coach Torrent made two changes to his line-up, bringing in Ronald Matarrita and Ebenezer Ofori in place of Ben Sweat and Jesus Medina. This was a surprise change-up opposed to last weeks match.

NYCFC came out ready to play but their intensity was met with similar energy from LAFC, which caused a tight and aggressive opening in the first 30’.

Sean Johnson, showed up again on St Patrick’s Day,with a strong performance as he displayed on last week’s game. LAFC’s Carlos Vela took a shot in the 29” minute that was knocked up over the crossbar. The critical save kept the game scoreless, giving NYCFC a chance to retaliate.

When NYCFC broke through the defense on the 39th minute it was a worthy goal for Mitriță. He broke through the LAFC defense down the left side and made it through onto his strong foot and fired an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net.

It was his first goal for NYCFC and this season, and he almost had another two minutes later when his free-kick came back off the top of the crossbar with Tyler Miller beaten.

Sadly, City’s lead would last only until the 43rd minute when Carlos Vela hit back on the counter to make it 1-1 on the stroke of half-time.

The fight didn’t stop there, the intensity continued into the second half.

The race to win continued, both teams went back and forth – LAFC desperate to find the equalizer and NYCFC to seal their first win of the season. Alex Ring scored in the 62’ with help from Ben sweat but unfortunately the victorious feeling was short for NYCFC as Carlos Vela scored in the 76’ by sending Johnson the wrong way to tie up the game at 2-2.

Unfortunately NYCFC did not surpass the LAFC defense and the game concluded at 2-2.

“In the first half when we were able to score in the last five minutes [of the first half], we have to take control of the game and keep the ball. And we made a mistake. We lose the ball and Vela is an amazing player and he’s a top player for MLS and they scored… Even the top teams when they win, the first thing is to keep control and play with confidence. But if you are able to score it’s easier for us after that to play and we need to score more goals. In the first half, maybe, we can score three goals, we deserve three goals, [for LAFC], maybe one or two. But I repeat, I know it’s not good because when you draw the game at home, it’s not a good result for us. But if you ask me about the performance, I think we played well,” Said head coach Torrent on concluding their 3rd match of the season in a draw.