New York City FC loses MLS opener 1-0 to Galaxy on late Chicharito winner
By Chris Tsakonas
The title defense for New York City FC begins with a loss, as a late goal from Chicharito was the difference maker in a 1-0 LA Galaxy win at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“It was a tough game,” NYCFC manager Ronny Deila said after the game. “We knew it was going to be tough. I don’t think we deserved to lose.”
The first half didn’t see many opportunities for either side, with NYCFC getting outshot 6-2 in the first half.
NYCFC got their first opportunity in just the 2nd minute, as Talles Magno got a header from 6 yards out on frame, but it was saved. It ended up being the only on target shot for New York in the entire first half.
The first on frame opportunity came for the Galaxy in the 6th minute, as new Designated Player Douglas Costa almost kicked off his debut with a goal. Costa
The Galaxy had another good look in the 16th minute, as a cross from Julian Araujo found Chicharito at the back post, but Sean Johnson got his hands on it to make the save.
NYCFC almost got their opening goal in stoppage time of the first half, when a long ball over the top from Maxi Moralez found the head of Taty Castellanos, whose header was deflected wide.
“I think [with] a little more precision in the final third, we [could have] scored in the first half,” said Alfredo Morales.
In the 52nd minute, the Galaxy created an opportunity off a set piece, as a free kick was crossed into the box, but Serge Coulibaly headed it just over the bar. On the other end, NYCFC had a near miss, with Tayvon Gray firing a shot from the top of the 18 wide in the 53rd.
Another glancing header in the 64th minute from Vazquez went wide of the left post, marking another missed opportunity for the Galaxy.
In the 67th minute, the Galaxy found Chicharito off a free kick, but the shot was parried away by Sean Johnson.
Castellanos fired an ambitious try from about 35 yards out in the 76th minute, but the shot was off frame. Moralez went for a tight angle finish, but he couldn’t squeeze it on target.
The Galaxy had another point blank range chance in the 86th minute, when Rivalison chested down a pass at the edge of the six that was fired over the bar.
In the 90th minute, the goal finally came. A through ball from Raheem Edwards found Chicharito, who cut the ball back inside the box and slotted it past Johnson to give the Galaxy the lead.
Despite having just 4 minutes of stoppage time, NYCFC had a golden opportunity to equalize. A pass from Keaton Parks sent Heber through on goal, but his shot cut across the face of goal and went wide right.
The road trip will conclude next Saturday for NYCFC, as they head north of the border to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.