NYCFC's Offensive Struggles Continue in Scoreless Draw with Red Bulls; Playoff Chances Dwindle
Courtesy: NYCFC on X
BY: Eddie Kalegi
After a pair of crushing 1-0 defeats off of game-winners from Omir Fernandez, New York City FC hoped to get the last laugh in the final installment of the Hudson River Derby in 2023. NYCFC walked away with their club-record thirteenth draw of the season, securing a point but suffering a missed opportunity in front of the Yankee Stadium faithful.
Both clubs entered play within five points of a playoff spot, but at this stage of the season, every match is a must-win. Returning from the international break, City was without the services of veteran Maxi Moralez after he suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Vancouver two weeks ago, while the Red Bulls’ staff was short-handed, as interim head coach Troy Lesesne was serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation.
The Red Bulls brought the physicality early, committing a pair of fouls in the first two minutes, while Elias Manoel fired off two early shots, with neither finding the back of the net. Moments later, Algerian striker Monsef Bakrar, who has scored in each of City’s last two matches, had a prime breakaway chance but couldn’t get a shot away.
After some back and forth play, New York City would suffer yet another costly injury, after veteran midfielder Keaton Parks took a tumble after appearing to get his lower leg spiked and landed awkwardly. Parks left the game and was replaced by Alfredo Morales.
Elias Manoel would miss above the crossbar on his third attempt of the afternoon in the dwindling minutes of the half, as City would head into the locker room scoreless and shotless.
Yet another injury scare came early in the second half when Tayvon Gray collided with Tom Barlow, who was given a yellow card. Gray took an elbow to the head and was evaluated for a concussion but was able to remain in the game.
In the 54th minute, NYCFC had their best chance yet, but Santi Rodriguez was taken down inside the box. No penalty was called, and City failed to convert on the subsequent corner.
After a lackluster start, New York City finally started to get the juices flowing offensively, mustering four shots over a 15 minute span. However, the match still remained scoreless.
The Red Bulls offense had suddenly gone dormant, but a one-time chance came in the 75th minute, with Matt Freese diving to his left and sprawling out to make an incredible save.
Head coach Nick Cushing waited until late to make the move at striker, bringing Talles Magno into the game just as second half stoppage time commenced. City would have one last gasp on a header off of a corner, but couldn’t get it past Red Bulls keeper Carlos Coronel.
The match came to a close in a scoreless draw, something that Big Apple soccer fans may view as a lose-lose situation. With both New York clubs walking away with just the one point, the path to the playoffs just became a lot harder. Despite a strong performance from Matt Freese in net, and far sharper and crisper passing, NYCFC’s offense was dormant, taking nearly an hour of match time before creating their first real chance.
One factor that still plays into New York City’s hands is their schedule. Three of their remaining five matches are at home, and all but one of those are against clubs currently in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference. The playoff push will continue Wednesday as the boys in blue face their best opponent left on the schedule, Orlando City SC. NYCFC bested the Floridian squad in the Empire State last season, and walked away with a draw in their most recent encounter down south back in May.