New York City Football Club pulled off a 1-0 victory over an FC Cincinnati squad that was unbeaten in 6 straight, also ending the visitors’ six-match unbeaten streak. NYCFC picked up 3 shots on goal including a great shot just outside the box by Julian Fernandez after an odd bounce dropped into his lap.
However in a difference I feel from this year vs last year, after Alonso Martinez missed a penalty kick to the right post, NYCFC didn’t break as Goalkeeper Matt Freese made 4 saves, including a decision to play volleyball with the ball followed by a save late in the first half which helped ensure his 4th clean sheet in the past 7 matches.
NYCFC’s massive month continues to get underway as the team travels to Pittsburgh to take on the Riverhounds (a USL team we also happen to cover on this site) for a match at Highmark Stadium on Wednesday, followed by another match on Saturday (back at home against CF Montreal).
5 STATS
1) NYCFC’s 17 shots were the second highest this season, second to 24 against Minnesota. Their 5 shots on goal was tied for 3rd highest on the year.
2) As touched on, NYCFC has had 4 clean sheets this season, however 3 of them have come in the previous 4 matches.
3) Alonso Martinez is now 2-4 in Penalty Kicks this season. Now cause for concern yet, but something to keep an eye on.
4) The team went tackle heavy this match, getting 20 which was a season high.
5) Wednesday the club will take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium. The squad is currently 3W-4L-1D this season and has dropped 3 of their last four.
