By Chris Tsakonas
It’s now seven straight league matches without a win for New York City FC after the Pigeons fell 2-0 to DC United at Citi Field this afternoon. Luis Munteanu scored both of DC United’s goals.
Here are three observations from New York City’s latest defeat.
DC United gain early foothold in match
For a moment, it looked as though it would be another quick start for New York City. In the 3rd minute, a long clearance from Malachi Jones set up a breakaway chance for Agustin Ojeda – but Ojeda missed across the face of goal.
While New York City held its fair share of possession early, DC United would outshoot the Pigeons by a 7-1 margin in the opening 20 minutes. The Pigeons’ first shot on goal didn’t come until the 38th minute, when a 30-yard direct free kick from Nico Fernandez Mercau was saved by Sean Johnson.
Pigeons done in by a throw-in
After regularly pushing into the final third early, DC United’s breakthrough moment came in the 29th minute. After an initial long throw-in into the penalty area, the ball fell to Munteanu at the edge of the six-yard box. Munteanu beat Matt Freese from close range to open the scoring for DC.
It was the eighth shot of the match for DC United.
No attacking rhythm for New York City
Although the Pigeons had 61 minutes plus stoppage time to respond to Munteanu’s opener, quality scoring chances were hard to come by. New York City went into the halftime break with just three total shots compared to DC United’s 11, and the second half wasn’t much different.
Through the first 30 minutes of the second half, New York City struggled again with only three total shots in that time frame. A would-be tap-in equalizer at the back post was called off in the 54th minute, as Ojeda was found to be in an offside position on the initial run down the right flank.
Eventually, DC United made New York City pay again. After Keaton Parks was called for a foul on Lucas Bartlett, Muntaenu finished the penalty kick inside the right post to put DC United ahead 2-0 in the 75th minute.
“Normally, when everyone is fresh, sharp and playing with quality, we should be able to create much more than we did today,” head coach Pascal Jansen said. “The numbers show it as well. The attacking side of the game was simply not good enough today.”
Next Up
After a busy late April stretch, New York City has a full week to go back to the drawing board before hosting the Columbus Crew next Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.
Live radio commentary from Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence will begin at 4:15 p.m. at newyorkcityfc.com/radio and the Apple TV Home Radio feature.
