New York City FC Defeats Club Leon and Keeps Fighting In The Leagues Cup

New York, NY– It was game number two for New York City FC in the Leagues Cup. The Boys in Blue had to quickly turn the page after the unexpected defeat against Club Puebla on Tuesday night. Fortunately, the necessary changes were made to face Club Leon. After all, a consecutive defeat could technically mean elimination for New York City, so losing wasn’t an option. The visitors also arrived with a defeat, but in higher spirits. Nevertheless, the match had survival on the line. Could New York City FC take advantage of playing close to home? Or was James Rodriguez going to carry Leon to victory?

Solid performance in Harrison

Club Puebla gave New York City a quick reality check. While the competition is still new, it was more than clear that you need to be at your very best from start to finish. The Boys in Blue tried to test out a lineup without their strongest players and paid a heavy price for it. The lesson was learned, and manager Pascal Jansen brought back players like Maxi Moralez, Tayvon Gray, and Alonso Martinez. `While it’s a collective sport, having Alonso Martinez from the start made a significant difference in how the team moved across all areas of the field.

It only took 6 minutes for Alonso Martinez to create the first chance at goal. He created the play and scored on the corner kick that followed it. Only time will tell just how long the Costa Rican striker will remain in MLS, but in the meantime, the Boys In Blue are more than covered. Having New York City with an advantage early on in the match gave them more control over the tempo of the game. They were even able to create danger from set pieces, a complete turnaround from the game on Tuesday. Again, it all comes back to having the right pieces on the field.

Tayvon Gray allowed players like O’Neil and Ojeda to play higher up the field. Club Leon couldn’t cope with New York City’s high pressure and an untouchable Maxi Moralez in midfield. The legend continues to pull the strings within the team whenever he’s on the field. That freedom allowed Nicolas Fernandez to showcase his attributes in the final third. A quick pass between the lines took Cub Leon by surprise. Alonso Martinez crossed the ball to the box to give Agustin Ojeda a tap-in goal that sealed the game for New York City FC.

Unfortunately, Club Leon never really settled on the field. When many thought James Rodriguez could showcase his class, he didn’t make the expected impact. Club Leon was able to create danger in the second half. One free kick and a one-on-one that was ruled offside signaled that Club Leon was attempting a comeback. The story might have been different if James Rodriguez converted from the spot after that handball in the 57th minute. Matt Freese once again gave another reason for the USMNT to keep him on the roster for the World Cup. Nevertheless, that missed opportunity sealed the game for Club Leon.

“Massive. That was a moment—and we spoke about this during halftime as well. There were just a few moments in the game—or areas, if you will—that they [Club León] were looking for to get more involved. It was the set pieces, the corners. They tried to beat us in behind a few times, and when we allowed them to switch from left to right or the other way, to get their wingers in 1v1 situations—those were the moments we really had to be switched on. They didn’t have a single shot on target in the first half, and I believe that penalty kick was their first one on frame. So, Matt’s [Freese] save was huge because that could have given them momentum to fight their way back into the game. And we denied it—or Matt [Freese] denied it.” — Pascal Jansen Head Coach, New York City Football Club

They were never able to come back from that miss. Maxi Moralez and Agustin Ojeda both had an opportunity to add a third goal but couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Nevertheless, New York City FC accomplished their mission and walked away with a much-needed win. They now await Toluca on Tuesday night to determine if they advance to phase 2 of the Leagues Cup.

Player Milestones

• With a goal and an assist this evening, Alonso Martínez has the ninth most goal contributions in Club history across all competitions, with 36 (31G, 5A).
  • The players ahead of him in this statistic include Maxi Moralez with 133 goal contributions (39 goals, 94 assists), followed by former Forward David Villa with 106 (80 goals, 26 assists), Forward Valentín Castellanos with 83 (59 goals, 24 assists), Midfielder Santiago Rodríguez with 73 (34 goals, 39 assists), Midfielder Jesús Medina with 43 (26 goals, 17 assists), Forward Ismael Tajouri-Shradi with 39 (29 goals, 10 assists), Forward Héber with 38 (30 goals, 8 assists), and Defender Anton Tinnerholm with 37 (9 goals, 28 assists). 
• Agustín Ojeda recorded his first career goal in Leagues Cup play for New York City FC. 
• Justin Haak recorded his first career goal contribution in the Leagues Cup for New York City FC, after assisting Alonso Martínez’s goal.  
• Goalkeeper Matt Freese becomes the all-time leader for clean sheets in Leagues Cup with two, surpassing former Goalkeeper Luis Barraza, who had recorded one.
  • Freese has now recorded 20 saves for the Club in Leagues Cup play, making him the first New York City FC goalkeeper to achieve this feat. 

New York City FC News:

• New York City FC Rides Soccer Wave to Commanding 3-1 Victory Over Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium
• New York City FC Midfielder Santiago Rodríguez Joins Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas on a Permanent Transfer 

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