New York City FC win second straight in 2-0 victory over DC United

Courtesy: NYCFC

By Chris Tsakonas

QUEENS, N.Y. - New York City FC is now on a two-game winning streak after beating DC United 2-0 at Citi Field tonight. Santi Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 20th minute, with the second goal coming from Julian Fernandez in the first minute of second half stoppage time.

Here are three takeaways from New York City’s third win of the season.

Prolific chance creation
For the second match in a row, New York City was able to create chances early and often in the final third. In the first 10 minutes of the match, New York City generated five shots with three of those shots ending up on target. 

While that early push didn’t result in a goal, it didn’t take much longer as Rodriguez opened the scoring on New York City’s sixth shot of the match in the 20th minute. New York City went into the halftime break with nine total shots - five of which were on goal.

New York City finished the match with a total of 22 shots and a season-high 3.8 expected goals, with the final shot turning into the goal from Fernandez.

“I just know that once the game opens up, and once the game is free flowing, Julian is going to be at his best,” head coach Nick Cushing said after the match. “His work rate is really improving, his ability with the ball [to] build up and just be involved in the game is really improving. One thing he brings is that individual moment, right? He had the goal chance and he put it in.”

Bakrar goal drought continues
New York City continued to create chances in the second half, with a total of 13 shots during that stretch. Mounsef Bakrar had three misses in the half before coming off for Jovan Mijatovic in the 77th minute. Bakrar finished the match with five total shots, one shot on goal and a team-high 1.23 expected goals. Bakrar is still looking for his first goal through nine matches this season.

“I'm going to support him, every staff member is going to believe and support him, and his teammates are all around him,” Cushing said. “That's the way we are. The group is together and we keep going.”

Stadium celebration
Before the match kicked off, New York City held a ceremony on the field to honor the City Council approval for the club’s new stadium, which is set to open in 2027. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Councilman Francisco Moya were on hand for the ceremony celebrating the project, which is also set to include 2,500 affordable housing unites, retail space and a school.

“It's essential that we continue to build and grow the way we're doing it - and what's the best unifier in the world? It's football,” Moya said before the match. “I think this is what it all brings in, and that's the contribution that I think we'll be able to make.”

Next Up
New York City will play a fourth-straight home match home stand next Saturday night against Charlotte FC at Yankee Stadium. The live radio broadcast will get underway at 7:15 P.M., with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence on the call at newyorkcityfc.com/radio or the Apple TV Home Radio feature.