NYC FC forward Tony Taylor (seen here against Timbers’ defender Alvas Powell) was stretchered off the field during the first half after suffering a possible serious knee injury. Taylor started in the place David Villa, who is recovering from a hamstring strain. (Photo courtesy of NYC FC)
NYC FC drops points, not moral, against Portland Timbers
by Stephanie Lovelle, NY beat reporter
NYC FC find themselves winless in the last five matches after the Portland Timbers picked up three points at Yankee Stadium on Sunday night.
The sole goal of the match would come in the 79th minute when NYC FC was unable to clear Darlington Nagbe’s pursuit into the area. The defensive attempt to clear the ball was left to Dairon Asprilla, who would net his first career goal after his shot took a deflection off of NYC FC defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe. Despite another confident performance from Josh Saunders, there wasn’t much the keeper could do to stop a shot graced by luck.
NYC FC have only won one match of the seven (1-3-3) they’ve played so far this season but coach Jason Kreis is maintaining a calm demeanor. “I’m actually very encouraged by the performance in the last two matches. It shows that we are moving in the right direction,” said Kreis.
Substitute Kwadwo Poku against Portland’s Darlington Nagbe. Poku entered both the TImber and the Union game in the latter minutes and made an immediate impact. (Photo courtesy of NYC FC)
NYC FC went into the match with five injured players and have picked up new injury concerns after forward Tony Taylor suffered a no-contact injury in the first half, resulting in him being stretched off the field. Kreis noted post-match that the initial signs are not good, suggesting possible ligament damage for the 25-year-old.
The lone goal of the match nor the injury issues tell as much of the story compared to NYC FC’s issue with timing.
The opening minutes of the first half teased a home side that controlled much of the possession. Sloppiness and predictability, however, allowed the visiting side to do just enough to break down anything that showed promise from NYC FC. The Timbers created a dangerous attacking opportunity just two minutes into the second half after a miscommunication between defender Chris Wingert and Saunders led to a Timbers free kick at the edge of the box.
NYC FC’s wall would do their job, preventing a goal-bound ball to cause Saunders any threat but that moment of miscommunication was just one glimpse at NYC FC’s continuing search for a natural understanding between players. Cohesion is something that will take time to form for the expansion side but there have been signs, especially during their sole win of the season, that cohesiveness may come much sooner than one could guess. It’s a thought that comes as comfort for the coach.
“Right now, the results are not going our way but our performances are. That shows the results are around the corner,” said Kreis confidently.
Rookie Khiry Shelton earned his first MLS career start for Thursday’s game against Philadelphia. He also started Sunday evening against Portland and has seen over 300 minutes so far this season. (Photo courtesy of NYC FC)
NYC FC have been showing some threat in their ability to get forward but have been showing a hesitancy in shooting. Whether it’s that one pass extra or over-dribbling, the expansion side will need to pay closer attention to acknowledge win too much is indeed too much.
NYC FC return to action on Friday, April 24 when they travel to Toyota Park to face the Chicago Fire who is currently 2-3-0 this season, winning their last two matches at home.
Kreis and his men ought to benefit from a David Villa return as he could add the much needed punch to their attack. They’ve shown a great sense of urgency and have not completely lacked in creating in their past two matches but must focus on being a bit more spontaneous with their chances rather than opting for the more obvious. Kreis also suggests that his side not dwell on their latest trend in results.
“We can’t let the results form into a negative thing for our group,” said Kreis assuring no need to panic. “That is the only thing that will break us.”
