Stoppage time goals cost New York City FC in 4-2 loss to Columbus Crew
Credit: New York City FC
By Chris Tsakonas
Two stoppage time goals from DeJuan Jones and Jacen Russell-Rowe made the difference as New York City FC fell 4-2 to the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field tonight. The loss extends New York City’s winless streak in league play to six matches ahead of the upcoming international break.
Martinez opens scoring with another early goal in Columbus
When New York City played Columbus on the road in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Aug. 17, Martinez set a club record by opening the scoring with a goal in 14 seconds.
In tonight’s rematch, Martinez opened the scoring again. In the fourth minute, Tayvon Gray collected the ball about 30 yards out from goal and played a ball between two defenders to find Martinez, who turned in front of goal and beat Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte to give New York City the early lead on the road.
The goal continues a strong run of form for Martinez, who has scored four goals in the last three matches to be New York City’s only goalscorer during that stretch. Gray also picked up his sixth assist of the season on the opener.
Injury bug strikes New York City in first half
New York City lost two starters to injuries during the first half. In the ninth minute, starting goalkeeper Matt Freese went down with a right knee injury that ultimately required him to come out for backup goalkeeper Luis Barraza.
“Matt Freese will be assessed,” Cushing said. “I think he came out and he is feeling some pain in his leg, and he'll be assessed by the medical team. He's in the locker room. He's in good spirits. We're hopeful, but I leave that one with the medical team.”
In the fifth minute of first half stoppage time, New York City went down another starter as James Sands was forced to leave the match with a head injury. Justin Haak took his place, playing as a defensive midfielder alongside Keaton Parks.
“[Sands] came out with a concussion, so he'll go through the process now - which with an international break gives us time to get him back,” Cushing said. “He's okay though in the locker room, it's just the [MLS concussion] rules now.”
Columbus attack capitalizes on New York City mistakes
On the other side of the pitch, Columbus took advantage of errors to score twice and flip the script after Martinez’s early goal.
In the 17th minute, a turnover from Tayvon Gray at midfield allowed Columbus to hit on the counter. After winning the ball for the Crew, Cucho Hernandez played a diagonal ball to find Christian Ramirez on the right side. Ramirez played the ball across the six-yard box to set up a tap-in equalizer from Diego Rossi.
Columbus also took advantage of a New York City turnover on the first go-ahead goal, as Mohamed Farsi dispossessed Keaton Parks at midfield to start the attack. Rossi then delivered a through ball into the box to find Max Arfsten, who beat Barraza on the near left post to put the Crew up 2-1 in the 57th minute.
Columbus pulls ahead in roller coaster finish
In the 86th minute, New York City found an equalizer. After successfully defending a Columbus corner, a quick counterattack ended with Julian Fernandez laying off the ball to set up a goal for Mounsef Bakrar from the right side of the box.
However, it would only take seven minutes for Columbus to retake the lead. In the third minute of stoppage time, Alexandru Matan delivered a ball into the middle to set up the match winner off a free header from DeJuan Jones.
“I think it's difficult, because maybe you don't see it on the broadcast, but when you look at the tactical cam, the referee sets a block on Julian,” Cushing said. “I'm not saying he does it on purpose, but ultimately Julian makes a play and hooks the ball away, and Matan is able to head the ball into the box. Of course, yes, we should mark in the box - but ultimately the goal is prevented by the referee's position.”
Fernandez received a red card after the goal, which means he will be suspended for New York City’s next match.
Six minutes later, Columbus would add an insurance goal on a three-on-two situation which led to a goal for Jacen Russell-Rowe to put the match away.
Next Up
New York City will head back on the road after the international break to take on DC United on Saturday, Sept. 14. Live radio commentary will begin at 7:15 P.M., with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence on the call from Audi Field at newyorkcityfc.com/radio.