New York City FC suffer third straight loss in 2-1 defeat to Portland Timbers

Courtesy: NYCFC

By Chris Tsakonas

New York City FC dropped a third straight match of the season after conceding two late goals to fall 2-1 to the Portland Timbers at Yankee Stadium this afternoon. Santi Rodriguez gave New York City the lead in the 10th minute, while Antony equalized in the 85th minute and Evander scored the match-winner in the seventh minute of second half stoppage time.

Here are three observations from New York City’s loss to Portland.

Early control of the match

After not scoring a goal through the first two matches of the season, New York City opened this match on the front foot with a more attacking mindset. Through the first half hour of the match, New York City had the first five shots of the match with 55.9 percent of the possession.At the half, New York City held a 9-4 edge in shots with all four shots on goal.

“We want to be a team that plays at a high intensity and aggressively,” New York City manager Nick Cushing said after the match. “The first half is exactly the way I want the team to play. I don't think we brought enough of that in the second half.”

Bakrar finishing

Mounsef Bakrar frequently got on the end of New York City’s early attacking chances, as he had four shots through the first 20 minutes of the match. Despite finishing with five shots and 1.02 expected goals, Bakrar was not able to find the back of the net in the match.

“Mounsef is really aggressive running. You can see the problems that he causes, but he has to finish his chances,” Cushing said. “If you're going to be a clinical forward in this league, you have to finish your chances.”

Portland flipped momentum

After the opening 30 minutes, Portland began to flip the momentum and control the run of play. Through the final hour of the match, the Timbers outshot New York City 9-6 after New York City got the first five shots of the match through the opening half hour.

“I just don't think we showed the intensity that we showed in the in the in the first half,” head coach Nick Cushing said after the match. “I think when you get the likes of Antony and Evander and these guys space, they can make moments.”

Next Match

New York City remains at home next Saturday for a match against Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium. Toronto will come into the Bronx on a two-match winning streak after defeating Charlotte FC 1-0 at BMO Field. New York City took two of three matches against Toronto in all competitions last season, with the last match ending with a 3-0 home win last September.

The live radio broadcast of the match will begin at 7:15 P.M. with commentary from Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence that can be heard at nycfc.com/radio.