NYCFC Scoring Struggles Outside The Bronx Continue; Tie Chicago 0-0.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Bartel, Chicago Fire FC

 

Article by Scott Churchson IG: @schurchson

Columnist and Host Spanglish World Networks, Spanglish Sports World

 

New York. - In covering this team, there is a stark difference in the offensive output for the Gents In Blue at Yankee Stadium versus literally anywhere else on the planet. By comparison, NYCFC has scored 15 goals in four matches at Yankee Stadium compared to 15 goals in 12 matches elsewhere, including at “home” at Red Bull arena. While I think it bodes well for the future with the increased matches they have upcoming at Yankee Stadium, this is an issue I’ve addressed previously and one that will absolutely burn them if and when they have to take the playoffs on the road.

 

These are three points that this team should be picking up if they want to gain ground on the rest of the east. Yes the Fire are a stronger team at home than in the road (3-4-4 at home vs 0-5-1 on the road) but these are points that can’t be given away, especially after the scoring output the past two matches. Had they won last night, they would have vaulted all the way to 2nd place, although still 8 points behind New England (with their goaltender Matt Turner now back after the Gold Cup; making a tough team now even tougher) for first place overall. Frankly there’s not a lot I can talk about in this particular match. They fired off 15 shots on goal only 4 of which were on target, compared to 5 & 1 for Chicago. Keaton Parks was served a red card after his second yellow at the 73rd minute; forcing New York to go a player short for the remaining 22 minutes. In the end, the one point match didn’t hurt them much as Philadelphia was the only team ahead of them in the standings to win, the rest ended up tied. Still, missed opportunities as they go back on the road again against a  Toronto FC, happily back in Canada again. Expect that match to actually be a difficult one in front of what I expect to be a raucous crowd at BMO Stadium.

 

5 notes:

 

1) This was the first time in 26 matches that NYCFC was in fact shut out. Last time was on September 23, 2020.

 

2) Captain Sean Johnson made his return to the net, facing as I mentioned only one shot all night. Barraza got stronger as his replacement as the matches went on so it was a great experience for him going forward.

 

3) Taty Castellanos had the fewest number of touches that he’s had all season. He did have four shots on target which matches his high for 2021.

 

4) After Keaton Parks received his red card, New York now sits at two for the season every Nicolas Acevedo received one on May 29 against LAFC.

 

5) This will be NY’s first trip north of the border this season. Toronto is still searching for his first win since moving back to BMO Field, interestingly having a draw in each of it’s first three matches back by a score of 1-1.