CHICAGO, IL – Seventeen-year-old Seymour Reid etched his name into New York City FC history, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer while helping secure a commanding 3-1 victory over the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field on Saturday night.
Historic Night for Young Star
Reid’s stoppage-time strike capped off a memorable evening for NYCFC, as the teenager fulfilled every young player’s dream with his first MLS goal in front of 20,636 fans.
“It’s an amazing feeling. At 17, this is every kid’s dream. Scoring their first goal and making history is an amazing feeling. Couldn’t ask for better,” Reid said postgame.
The goal came during a brilliant counterattack in the 93rd minute, with Agustín Ojeda providing the assist as Reid calmly slotted past Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady.
Martínez Continues Prolific Form
Alonso Martínez reached another milestone, scoring his 15th goal of the season to join club legend David Villa as the only NYCFC players to record 15+ goals in consecutive campaigns. Villa achieved this feat from 2015-2017, while Martínez has now done it in back-to-back seasons.
“His composure and especially his first touch before the finish was outstanding,” head coach Pascal Jansen said of Reid’s performance.
NYCFC News:
- D.C. United Stuns NYCFC 2-1 Behind Gabriel Pirani’s Brace at Yankee Stadium
- NYCFC’s Road Warriors Strike Again: Martínez and Freese Deliver Statement Victory in Cincinnati
- NYCFC vs Nashville SC: Eastern Conference Clash with Playoff Implications
First-Half Drama
The match began with Chicago taking an early lead through Phillip Zinckernagel in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a Brian Gutiérrez interception and assist. However, NYCFC responded with determination, equalizing in the 40th minute through Nicolás Fernández Mercau’s first-ever goal for the club.
The equalizer came from a flowing move involving Hannes Wolf and Kevin O’Toole, with O’Toole providing a low cross that Mercau tapped home from close range.
Second-Half Dominance
NYCFC seized control after the break, with Martínez putting the visitors ahead in the 57th minute. The Costa Rican striker reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner kick, driving it low into the corner for his second goal in as many matches.
Record-Breaking Road Form
The victory extended NYCFC’s impressive away form, marking their fifth road win of the season and surpassing last season’s total of four away victories. The club now boasts a five-game unbeaten streak on the road (4-0-1) and has achieved its third-best road win total in franchise history.
Coaching Perspective
Pascal Jansen praised both goalscorers for their breakthrough moments: “I’m very happy for both [Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Seymour Reid]. As we all know, Nico Mercau is an asset for our game and for the team. But the one thing we also need from him is that he produces assists and goals.”
Historical Context
Reid becomes the sixth Homegrown player to score for NYCFC in MLS, joining Jonny Shore, Andres Jasson, Tayvon Gray, Justin Haak, and James Sands. His development through New York City FC II proved crucial to his success.
“Playing games for the twos [New York City FC II] is important. I get a lot of feedback on what I could do better here and there. It helps build my confidence,” Reid explained.
Looking Ahead
NYCFC returns to Yankee Stadium to face the Columbus Crew on Wednesday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m. ET, carrying momentum from their fourth sweep of the season – a new club record.
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