While people across the country were hiding Easter eggs, NYCFC was busy hiding balls in the back of the net in the Bronx. Valentin Castellanos scored four goals on the day and Thiago Andrade added a brace as The Pigeons routed Real Salt Lake at home.
RSL really did not know what hit them as NYCFC scored two goals within the first fifteen minutes and had scored another by half to make it three zero. NYCFC outshot RSL 22-12 and enjoyed almost sixty percent of possession over the course of ninety minutes.
Apr 17, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC midfielder Valentín Castellanos (11) heads the ball against Real Salt Lake defender Marcelo Silva (30) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
The final six-to-zero score line was a welcome sight for team members and fans alike who were frustrated after Wednesday’s performance in CONCAFAF Champions League where NYCFC outplayed the Seattle Sounders, but could not find the back of the net. That was not the case Sunday, although the score line could have been much worse than 6-0 with a goal being called back in the waning minutes and a few missed big chances by key players.
There was not much to be critical of, however, and spirits were high after the match. Ronny Delia was all smiles at the press conference following the game.
“There are many small things inside the game that you could do better,” said Deila. “It’s hard to be critical after winning 6-0. I would rather focus on the positives than the small things and enjoy the day.“
He went on to praise his team and their tough schedule. He had high praise for Castellanos. “When you don’t have the energy to be one step ahead it’s hard to be on the front foot. He has played almost every minute and has done a lot of traveling. All this over time get to be a lot. He scores a lot in training and I’m not surprised to see him score four goals, he is a top top player.”
Indeed it was Castellanos’s day and he got the scoring started early. In the ninth minute, Santiago Rodriguez put a nice cross into the box and Castellanos headed it decisively into the back of the net. The second goal was an all-Brazilian affair with Talles Magno springing Thiago Andrade loose down the wing and Thiago sending a rocket past the keeper. Castellanos would score on a penalty kick after Tate Schmitt kicked Keaton Parks in the face in the box. Thiago would add another to open the scoring in the second half. Castellanos would cap the day with another PK and again in the eightieth minute when RSL’s keeper Zac MacMath passed the ball directly out of pressure into the waiting feet of Castellanos who sent it straight into the back of the net. The team was dancing and having fun again.
Apr 17, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Thiago Andrade (8) does a celebration dance after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Castellanos became the first player ever for NYCFC to score four goals in a single match and was all smiles after the victory.
“First and foremost, I feel happy for the team and the guys in the locker room,” said Castellanos. “On a personal level I feel happy to get back on the score sheet and be in the race for the Golden Boot. Our focus was the Concacaf Champions League but unfortunately that didn’t happen so now we turn our focus to the league.”
Alfredo Morales echoed Castellanos’s sentiments. “It was very tough the last couple weeks, especially for me. I’ve never experienced something like this with all this traveling. It’s not like an hour flight to go to away games like in Germany, it was six-hour flights almost every day or at least that’s how it felt. We all love this game, and we love our job, so of course you’re happy when you play a lot of games but of course it’s tough, its tiring physically and mentally but now we’re at home. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the result in Champions League but we have to move forward. We still have a lot of things to play for this year and we just have to keep going.”
Now, NYCFC turn their attentions back to the regular season and are at home for the next five games. With results like this one against RSL and the pending return of Maxi Moralez, Maxime Chanot, and Anton Tinnerholm; the team will hope to fix their standing in the Eastern Conference. There is no doubt of the quality of soccer being played. If they can rest up and keep scoring then the league should be worried indeed.
