By Chris Tsakonas
NEW YORK – New York City FC suffered its first MLS loss since the World Cup break after falling 3-2 to the Philadelphia Union at Yankee Stadium tonight. The Pigeons led 2-0 after 45 minutes before conceding three straight in the second half.
Here are three observations from New York City’s loss.
Penalties pay off for New York City
In a match that ended up being partially decided by set pieces, New York City caught an early break in the third minute. Andres Perea had the ball on the right side of the penalty area when he was brought down by Union centerback Neil Pierre.
With the usual penalty kick taker Nico Fernandez Mercau not in the lineup, Benie Traore stepped up to take the kick – and he scored off the left post to give the Pigeons the 1-0 lead in the fourth minute.
In the 45th minute, it was deja vu all over again. A handball from Indiana Vassilev led to a second penalty kick. This time, Luighi finished from the spot for his first goal with the Pigeons to make it 2-0 just before halftime.
Set piece gives Union a lifeline
In the 48th minute, things began to slip away from New York City. Philadelphia earned a free kick on the left flank, which Kai Wagner whipped into the middle of the box. Danley Jean Jacques got on the end of it, and he beat Matt Freese to get the Union on the board.
The goal allowed the Union back in the game, and ended up shifting momentum away from New York City. Over the next 20 minutes, the Pigeons only created one quality chance – a free header from James Sands that was denied by Andre Blake at the near post.
Counter attacks flip the script
As Philadelphia began to control the match in the second half, counter attacks ended up being the decisive factor.
The first came in the 69th minute, when a giveaway from Malachi Jones started the attack for the Union. Milan Iloski played a through ball on the right side of the box to Cavan Sullivan, who cut it back to set up the equalizer for Bruno Damiani.
Six minutes later, it happened again. After a giveaway from Max Murray on the other side of the pitch, Quinn Sullivan took the ball down the left flank and played it across the middle to find Damiani for the go-ahead goal.
Next Up
New York City kick off a three-match road trip on Wednesday night against FC Cincinnati. Live radio commentary with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence will get underway at 7:15 p.m at newyorkcityfc.com/radio.
