Rodney Wallace earned his second goal in as many matches for NYCFC on Saturday (photo credit: NYCFC)
On a cold grey and sloppy day in the Bronx, New York City Football Club and Montreal Impact played a game that either could have won, but ultimately ended in a draw.
NYCFC stayed undefeated at home this season due to some wonderful build up play between Rodney Wallace and Alexander Ring in the 44th minute resulting in a Wallace goal. The team also came close to taking all three points at home with narrow misses by Jack Harrison and Maxi Morales. Ignacio Piatti almost level the game right before halftime but his shot went a bit wide and off the post. Instead, Dominic Oduro tied the game for Montreal with a nice strike in the 68th minute
It was the definition of a draw with the team’s stat sheets very evenly matched. NYCFC had the better part of possession with 57%, not as high as the past two weeks, but Montreal is a team with a stronger midfield and defensive line than either DC United or Orlando. In truth, NYCFC was unlucky not to come away with more points and will feel pleased with the way the team played as a whole. The team looks more complete every week and seem to be gelling the way Patrick Vieira wants.
Speaking about the game, Vieira said, “Yeah, we’re really frustrated because we think we should have won this game, but this is a game of football. If you don’t take your chances, you will most likely leave the door open for the patient team and Rodney’s goal – he deserved it. He deserved it because of the way he’s working for the team. He’s a team player, and I was really pleased with his goal because he’s working really hard when he’s on the field.”
The weather was a second opponent for both teams with snow turning to freezing rain and then to mush throughout the game. In the stands the stalwart fans shivered and kept clapping and chanting.
Vieira gave Johnathan Lewis his first taste of game action when he came on for Jack Harrison in the 79th minute. He and fellow sub, Tommy McNamara were unable to produce the impact goal surge needed for NYCFC to pull away.
The weather was rough and game was a draw. A draw NYCFC probably should have won. Fans of both teams could not be unhappy with the way their team played but could only walk away smiling wryly, complaining about cold toes and what could have been.
NYCFC
Montreal Impact
