By Chris Tsakonas
NEW YORK – New York City FC remain on top of the Eastern Conference after beating the Colorado Rapids 3-1 at Yankee Stadium tonight. Nico Fernandez Mercau led the Pigeons with a brace and Talles Magno tacked on a late goal in the win.
Here are three observations from tonight’s match.
Fernandez Mercau runs the show
After scoring five goals against Orlando City in the home opener last week, New York City struggled to create much in the way of offensive chances with just one total shot in 20 minutes.
That changed in the 22nd minute, when a long ball into the box found Fernandez Mercau at the edge of the six-yard box. The first chance was saved by Nico Hansen, but the rebound went right back to Fernandez Mercau to set up his first goal of the match.
In the 45th minute, Fernandez Mercau was the hero again. New York City were awarded a free kick on the right side, and Fernandez Mercau split the wall to finish from a tight angle and double the scoring.
It was New York City’s first goal off a direct free kick in 23 months, and it doubled the lead just before halftime.
“[Fernandez Mercau] plays with a lot of passion – also with his heart – but he’s a very clever player also,” Pascal Jansen said after the match. “It doesn’t surprise me that he gets himself on the scoreboard, because he has those qualities as well.”
Yapi changes the script
With a 2-0 lead and four minutes of first half stoppage time, it seemed that New York City would cruise into halftime in prime position to get the three points.
In the fourth and final minute of stoppage time, the Rapids hit on the counter. Rafael Navarro played a through ball into the box, and Darren Yapi beat Matt Freese one-on-one to pull one back against the run of play.
Magno clinches three points with late goal
Yapi’s goal brought some life to Colorado, who came into the second half needing just a goal to bring the match level. While the Rapids held most of the ball, it only translated into six shots – none of which were on goal.
In the 86th minute, Maxi Moralez played a through ball to set up Talles Magno in the box – and Magno finished to give New York City a 3-1 lead.
It was Magno’s first goal in a New York City shirt since July 17, 2024, and it clinched the three points for New York City.
Next Up
New York City FC will remain in the Bronx for a third straight home match against Inter Miami next Sunday. Live radio commentary with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence will get underway at 12:45 p.m. at newyorkcityfc.com/radio and the Apple TV Home Radio feature.
