Martinez and Moralez lead New York City FC to 2-0 win in Hudson River Derby
Courtesy: New York City FC
By Chris Tsakonas
NEW YORK - New York City FC broke a three-match winless streak in convincing fashion today with a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls in the Hudson River Derby. Alonso Martinez opened the scoring in the 13th minute, while Maxi Moralez doubled the lead in the 50th minute.
Here are three observations from New York City’s derby win.
First half onslaught sets tone
Heading into today’s match, New York City had struggled to find the back of the net, having failed to score in each of the previous three matches across all competitions.
New York City wasted no time trying to get back on track, creating four shots inside the opening 20 minutes and nine shots inside the first half. New York City ultimately created 1.9 expected goals on 12 total shots, with four of those shots ending up on target.
New York City capitalizes on turnovers
Both of New York City’s goals came from forcing turnovers deep inside Red Bulls territory. In the 13th minute, Hannes Wolf came up with the ball on the left flank before getting the ball to Justin Haak, who laid it off to set up a 25-yard screamer from Alonso Martinez to open the scoring.
The second goal came off an even more egregious turnover. A failed clearance from Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel went to Martinez, who laid it off to Maxi Moralez for the empty net goal to make it 2-0 in the 50th minute. It was the fifth Hudson River Derby goal scored by Moralez, and it ultimately put the match away with most of the second half left to play.
Defense limits chances for Red Bulls
New York City conceded most of the possession to the Red Bulls - holding just 41 percent of the ball. While the Red Bulls controlled much of the ball, New York City made sure they didn’t do much with it, conceding only four first-half shots (none of which ended up on goal).
While the Red Bulls finished with 11 total shots - six of which came in the second half - only one of those ended up on frame.
Next Up
New York City will head back across the East River to Yankee Stadium for a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Chicago Fire, who are led by first-year head coach Gregg Berhalter. Live radio commentary will get underway at 2:45 P.M. at newyorkcityfc.com/radio and the Apple TV home radio feature.