The New York City Football Club’s 2023 US Open tournament came to a quick close with a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium last night. Using a array of players who seldom see playing time including goalkeeper Matt Freese and Jose Alfaro (both making their NYCFC debut) the club managed 8 shots but just one on net and maintained possession for most of the match, while Cincinnati put 5 on Freese on the night. However at the 56 minute mark Brandon Vasquez took a corner kick from Alvaro Barreal for the sole goal of the night and eventually the win for the Orange and Blue.
Overall, head coach Nick Cushing welcomed the sense of urgency and the overall performance: “I think urgency is one thing that we didn’t lack. I think we came with a game plan. We changed the system. We came with a game plan knowing the system that they [FC Cincinnati] would play. We dominated the ball. We got into some good moments and if we look at opportunities, we had six opportunities in play. We didn’t create clear chances but we know we have to be better there. On set play, we had five goal chances to one so I think it is pretty unfair to say that we lacked urgency.”
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The squad has to be happy with effort despite the loss. Cincinnati is a perfect 6-0 at home and New York City controlling much of the pace of play is a positive, however Cushing asked for and expected more crosses in this match. But with NYCFC playing Cincinnati again on May 31 (at Yankee Stadium) expect them to go into that match with a ton of confidence from this one.
Up next is the first round of the Hudson River Derby against the Red Bulls at RBA on Saturday. RBNY is an East worst 9 points in 11 games but that often can be tossed out the window when it comes to Derby matches. Expect my preview writeup on that shortly. Until next time, stay awesome.
About the author – Scott Churchson has been an actor in every way for the past 13 years, from BG to stand in to stunts and principal, a sports writer for the past 4 and is one of the people that created Stream Punk Entertainment. He’s married to a veterinarian, has a cat with three working legs, a mother-in-law who just moved in and is just a simple man trying to make his way in the universe.
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