New York City FC won at home on Saturday against DC United notching their first back-to-back wins of the season, but the game also marked another clean sheet for the club and another multiple goal win.
Last week, Head coach Nick Cushing talked about “the Power of the Second Goal” as the team recorded their first multiple goal game of the season against New England. They showed it was not a fluke last night as Santi Rodriguez scored a beautiful goal in the twentieth minute after some nice build up play from Monsef Bakrar and Hannes Wolf. Julian Fernandez would add another in stoppage time to seal the win for the home squad.
It was the way the team won that impressed. They seemed to grow in confidence off the win last week and came out from the start taking the game to DC United. They outshot the visitors 2-1 and created six big chances in the game. Had they been able to convert any of those, the score might reflect more accurately how lopsided the game seemed.
Apr 20, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Santiago Rodriguez (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against D.C. United during the first half at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
“I thought the most positive part of our performance tonight was how we gained control and we become assertive and we were dominant in the second half,” Cushing said post match.
Matt Freese expanded on the team style as well. “It shows that last week and the performances that we’ve had from not necessarily a points standpoint but from a performance standpoint of how well we’re playing shows that we’re pretty much into results now and that’s very important. And again, the important thing is going on to the next one.”
Apr 20, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese (49) claims the ball in front of D.C. United forward Christian Benteke (20) during the first half at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
A result in the next game would speak volumes and move City further up the table. The seven points accrued from the last three games have pushed the team up the table and back into a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
One issue needs to be addressed, however. The team needs to figure out how to get Bakrar out of his slump he has played very well in his hold up game and contributed to the opening goal but he missed an absolute sitter in the second half and has yet to score this season. When he was subbed off in the 77th minute, he went to the bench and put his head in his hands, seemingly knowing he had missed a golden opportunity.
Apr 20, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Monsef Bakrar (9) shoots against D.C. United goalkeeper Alex Bono (24) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Bakrar’s frustration is felt by all because his play up until the final shot is excellent, but for a team needing results you can’t have a striker who can’t capitalize on his opportunities.
The goals will come, though, if the team keeps putting in shifts like this. There is a sense of the ship being righted and a feeling of hope again. Charlotte has already beaten New York City this year so all eyes are on next week’s match to really see how much the team has progressed indeed.
