New York City FC eliminated in Leagues Cup quarterfinals in shootout loss to Columbus Crew
By Chris Tsakonas
New York City FC’s Leagues Cup run ended in the quarterfinals tonight, as the Columbus Crew advanced 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 finish in 90 minutes. Alonso Martinez opened the scoring in the first minute for New York City, while Columbus responded with a 42nd minute equalizer from Cucho Hernandez.
Martinez turns defense into attack with record opener
It only took 14 seconds for Martinez to find the back of the net, as he dispossessed Rudy Camacho on the Columbus back line before beating Patrick Schulte one-on-one to take the early 1-0 lead. In addition to giving New York City the early lead on the road, Martinez also broke two records by scoring the fastest goal in the history of both Leagues Cup and New York City FC.
The goal also snapped a seven-match scoring drought for Martinez, who had previously scored his most recent goals with a brace in a 2-0 win over CF Montreal on July 3. In his first season with the club, Martinez has a combined nine goals across all competitions - making him second on the club behind Rodriguez’s 11 goals.
Columbus controls possession, but goals were limited
While the early Martinez goal gave New York City the lead for much of the first half, the Crew controlled much of the run of play with 60 percent of the possession in the opening 30 minutes. That control culminated in a Columbus equalizer, as Cucho Hernandez headed in a cross from Max Arfsten in the 41st minute to level the match at 1-1.
The shooting disparity grew to 11-2 in the second half, but the Crew ultimately couldn’t find the second goal needed to clinch the match in regulation. Despite that disparity, head coach Nick Cushing said after the match that he felt good about how the club limited the quality of Columbus’ chances in the final third.
“I thought the performance was top tonight,” Cushing said. “We're in a really difficult place, so let's not underestimate how good we were. Of course, we want to have more threat on the goal. Of course, we want to create bigger chances - but I'm sure they're saying the same thing, right? I don't think they really threatened our goal with big chances.”
New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese was a big part of the reason why Columbus didn’t get a second goal in regulation, as he made four saves in the second half alone to help force a penalty shootout.
Missed penalties cost New York City
New York City entered tonight’s quarterfinal having made all 11 of its penalty kicks across two shootout wins against Queretaro in the group stage and New England in the Round of 32. That streak came to an end in the third round of penalties, as Maxi Moralez’s penalty was saved by a diving Schulte.
Freese saved the following Columbus penalty from Diego Rossi, which meant that the shootout was level at 3-3 heading into the fifth and final round. Frequent penalty taker Santi Rodriguez stepped up to the penalty shot, but fired his attempt over the crossbar before DeJuan Jones beat Matt Freese to send Columbus to the semifinals.
“It goes to penalties and you rely on the guy upstairs to help you out, and he's been important [and] he's been good to us,” Cushing said about the shootout. “Maybe it was our turn tonight to not get over the line.”
Tayvon Gray injury update
New York City suffered an injury setback in the 78th minute when right back Tayvon Gray went down with an apparent knee injury. After being attended to by the training staff, Gray ultimately returned to the match for 14 minutes before he was replaced by Mitja Ilenic in the second minute of stoppage time.
After the match, Cushing told reporters that Gray’s injury still needs to be evaluated by team doctors.
“He'll be assessed. He played on, which is hugely positive - but of course, he's got to be assessed after the game by the medical [staff],” Cushing said.
Next Up
New York City FC will return to MLS regular season action with a home match against the Chicago Fire at Citi Field next Saturday. With nine matches remaining before the MLS Cup Playoffs, New York City are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points - which is eight points above the playoff line.
Pregame radio coverage will get under way at 7:15 P.M. with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence on the call at newyorkcityfc.com/radio.