NYCFC lead East after 1-0 road win over Minnesota United

Courtesy: NYCFC

By Chris Tsakonas

A goal in the 29th minute from Alexandre Callens got New York City FC a 1-0 victory over Minnesota United tonight on the road at Allianz Field. The win puts NYCFC atop the Eastern Conference standings heading into the June international window.

Minnesota United got a pair of early chances in the 4th minute. First, Kemar Lawrence delivered a ball into the box for Emmanuel Reynoso, but it was saved by Sean Johnson. Second later Franco Fragapane got on the end of a pass from Bongokuhle Hlongwane, but he missed the shot wide left.

“We have players on the bench that can make a difference in the games and you see that today as well,” manager Ronny Deila said after the game. “I think all the players that come on make a difference in the game and that's a strength we have as a squad and as a club.”

Taty Castellanos almost opened the scoring in the 21st minute, as a cross was delivered across the face of goal by Santi Rodriiguez. Castellanos couldn’t get it on frame, and the match remained scoreless.

Then the goal came for New York City FC in the 29th minute, with a corner from Santi Rodriguez finding the head of Alexander Callens, who finished past Dayne St. Clair. It marked the second goal in the last three games for Callens - both coming off of headers.

Minnesota United nearly got an equalizer 5 minutes later. Reynoso took the ball down the flank before lofting a ball into the box for Brent Kallman, but the header just missed off the crossbar.

NYCFC sprung another golden opportunity in the 69th minute, as Santi Rodriguez threaded a through ball into the area for Thiago Andrade, but the shot was saved in the bottom corner by St. Clair.

Johnson came up with a critical double save in the 89th minute, parrying away an initial shot from Reynoso before making a high save on Robin Lod on the follow. Johnson finished with 5 saves in the match.

“Top class. He saved us today,” Deila said. “He’s done that before - when you really needed him, he’s been there.”

It marks the team’s third win in the last week in all competitions, coming just three days after an extra time win over New England. 

“[That three game stretch was] very hard, the hardest run you can get,” Deila said, “and to get away with all six points and to go through in the cup is an amazing achievement.”