Late Segal goal rescues point for NYCFC in 1-1 draw with Orlando City
Courtesy: NYCFC
By Chris Tsakonas
New York City FC snapped a three match losing streak in dramatic fashion, as a late equalizer from Gabe Segal rescued the point in a 1-1 draw against Orlando City at Exploria Stadium.
“I think the team has shown tonight that it made a step in its maturity,” head coach Nick Cushing said after the match. “It's shown how you grind games out, but it's down to us now to learn from it and to harness that and to grow as a football team.”
Orlando City took the early lead in the 9th minute, when a quick counter found Gaston Gimenez at the left edge of the penalty area, and Gimenez’s cross was headed home by Ercan Kara at the near left post.
New York City struggled to get into a rhythm in the final third, with their first shot of the match not coming until the 34th minute off an off-target half chance from Talles Magno. Gabriel Pereira had the best chance in the 36th minute, navigating through defenders before getting off a powerful shot that was stopped by Pedro Gallese.
Coming out of the halftime break, NYCFC got a good early look when Santi Rodriguez delivered a ball to the right post to find Maxime Chanot for the header, but it was saved by Gallese in the 46th minute.
Orlando got back into the attack in the 59th minute, when a corner was deflected to the foo25 who forced Luis Barraza into an impressive fingertip save.
NYCFC got another good look in the 76th minute, when a 25 yard drive from Pereira was saved by a diving Gallese. In the 86th minute, Gabe Segal got a clean look from the right edge of the area, but pulled the powerful shot just wide right.
In the 88th minute, New York City finally got the breakthrough. Magno brought the ball down the left side of the area and sent a ball across the six, where Segal buried it for his first career MLS goal to equalize.
“I saw Talles out wide, [and] I knew that he more often than not is going to beat his guy,” Segal said. “I just thought I'd get across a goal like a forward should and get on the end of the cross.”
Up next, New York City will get a much-needed bye weekend before returning to the pitch next Wednesday to host FC Cincinnati at Citi Field in a rematch from the US Open Cup match earlier this month, which NYCFC lost 1-0.
“I think [we’ll give the guys some days to rest [and] spend time with their families [and] reflect,” Cushing said. “Ready to come back and push hard for three really important games at home.”