D.C. United vs. NYCFC – Game Recap
A crucial night for both sides of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference, each for their own reasons, but both on the last stretch of a struggle for a spot in MLS playoffs. Although things started going New York’s way from literally the first seconds of the game, it ended up being D.C’s night, on the other end, in literally the last seconds of the match.
Visitors NYCFC started their first attack of the night with David Villa taking a right-foot shot from about 20 yards, to be saved by United’s keeper Bill Hamid. However, Hamid’s save bounced to Frank Lampard, who positioned himself in the box to receive and capitalize on the opportunity. Putting NYCFC up for an early lead (1’).
D.C. United 0 – 1 NYCFC
For the next 25 minutes, either side created any real chances, until David Villa’s two missed opportunities towards halftime. With a curved ball that went high over the cross bar (41’), and another wide shot at the end of the first half.
D.C. United clearly came back from the dressing room determined, and launch a more dominant style of play that lasted pretty much for the rest of the night.
Notably, with D.C’s Fabian Espindola’s goal being ruled out as an offside (52’) and shortly thereafter New York’s keeper Josh Saunders saved a header by D.C’s Chris Pontius.
The hosts finally got their equalizer on the 73rd minute, with Pontius taking a 20-yard shot at goal, to be saved by Saunders again. However the ball found Espindola at close range, to score United’s first point of the match.
D.C. United 1 – 1 NYCFC
D.C. United continued to dominate the second half, but NYCFC got a break on close to the end of the match, earning a free kick 20 yards from goal. There were high hopes for Andrea Pirlo who took that kick, given his record is one of the world’s best from this distance. However, it ended with yet-another high-flying ball over the cross bar (87’).
Right before the game was coming to a close, Espindola shot into the box and found Alvario Saborio, who managed to score while squeezed between two NYCFC defenders. Giving D.C. United a late win (90’+2’).
D.C. United 2 – 1 NYCFC
D.C. United was certainly the better team, and surely deserved the win last night. United had a 59% possession, 18 shots of which 8 were on target (compared to NYCFC’s 10 shots of which 2 were on target).
This game puts to an end D.C’s 6-game winless streak, and secures its place in the playoffs. NYCFC’s playoff hopes on the other hand, became even slimmer.
Both teams are heading into a bye week, with D.C. facing Chicago Fire on October 18th, and NYCFC Facing Orlando City SC on the 16th.
