NYCFC Gets A Much Needed Rebound Win – Overtake Montreal 1-0

Photo courtesy of Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, AP

 

Article by Scott Churchson IG: @schurchson

Columnist and Host Spanglish World Networks, Spanglish Sports World

 

New York. - The Gents From New York managed to get their revenge on Montreal in front of 2,873 at “home” after that horrific match two weeks with one of the unlikeliest of goals a team can score. With the game of course knotted at 0-0 NY Goalkeeper (and winner of his first game) Luis Barraza took a goal kick from his six yard line. On the ensuing bounce, it confused Defender Zorhan Bassong allowing Ismael Tajouri-Shradi enough time to lob the ball over Montreal Goalkeeper James Pantemis head and into the net. Was it pretty? Nope. But does it count? Absolutely yes, and that's what matters most. In the end, this was the difference maker; however as always there's room for improvement.

10 minutes in NY dodged a bullet when a Bjorn Johnsen took a loose ball and bounced it off the crossbar. Then later Montreal had a goal called off when Johnsen again beat Barraza but was called offsides. Rough night for the Norwegian born Forward. But there is a greater concern that I have with this team; their inability to find the back to the net. Once again they out shot their opponents, this time 17 to 7 and 7 to 1 on target and only had 1 goal to show for it. Over the past 6 matches (including tonight) they've out shot their opponents a whopping 98 to 44 and 40 to 20 on target, yet goals have been 8-8 during that run. As this team moves towards playoff time this is an area that has to be resolved; but it does show that the team is getting their scoring chances, just not finishing.

5 Notes

1) Props to Luis Barraza. I have to do my homework on this, but he might be the first MLS Goalkeeper to earn his first win, get a shutout in that first win AND score an assist on the game winner. Somehow I feel like we saw history tonight.

2) Taty Castellanos was held scoreless again after scoring 4 in his first 4 matches this season. He leads the team in both shots and shots on target so the chances are there. Personally I feel that once he FINALLY gets that goal to end the drought he'll immediately go on a hot streak.

3) Ismael Tajouri-Shradi's goal was his 5th of the season; putting him one behind Jesus Medina for the team lead. He nearly scored his 6th of the season at the 56th minute but the shot struck the bar.

4) With this win they've improved to 6-5-2 and remain in 7th place; one point behind Columbus with a game in hand.

5) Their next match is on Sunday against 4th place Orlando at home, and by home I mean Yankee Stadium again. It'll be the first time the team will be playing in front of a full crowd this season, as New York City is allowing 100% capacity again but the team has been playing in New Jersey where NY fans struggle to reach.