BEST. BIRTHDAY. EVER. GABE SEGAL’S LATE GOAL GIVES NYCFC A DRAW AGAINST ORLANDO

Photo courtesy of Kim Klement, USA Today Sports

Article by Scott Churchson

Columnist and Host of The Sports Den on Spanglish World Networks, Spanglish Sports World & Zingo TV

New York. -  Took a while, but the New York City Football Club pulled off a draw on the road against Orlando City, thanks to the first ever MLS goal by newcomer Gabe Segal, on his 22nd birthday no less. After falling behind early on an Ercan Kara goal just 7 minutes in, NYCFC once again saw themselves struggle to find the back of the net on a brutal road trip that saw them get shut out in 3 of it’s 4 road matches.

In a surprising move just 9 minutes in Matias Pellegrini was subbed out for Talles Magno due to apparent injury forcing head coach Nick Cushing to burn a substitution earlier than planned. However, the move did seem to have an impact, as the squad seemed to get stronger as the match went on.

In the 89th minute, the Cityzen’s efforts finally hit pay dirt in the form of a cross from Talles Magno through traffic directly to Segal for the 1 timer and, finally, the equalizer. Unsurprisingly, he was asked about the goal during the post-match press conference, “I think I haven’t quite processed it yet, but definitely good feeling. We’ve been on a rough stretch… so it feels good. I feel like this can be a turning point for us… but still a lot of work to do.”

The draw was key to stay ahead of Orlando for 9th in the East. Had Segal not scored NYCFC would have dropped to 13th in the East going into the break. At least this way there’s a silver lining to the road trip as they go into the 10 day break.

Next up they’ll be back home facing the Philadelphia Union at Citi Field on the 27th. This will be the first time the two faced off on Citi, with NYCFC going 5-2-2 in home matches at Yankee Stadium up to this point.

4 NOTES:

1) I’ve mentioned this before, but it still keeps happening, Luis Barraza gave up a single goal in net. This has been the case for now 8 of the past 9 matches for a 73.2% save percentage during that run.

2) At 16 points right now puts the team at it’s second worst start through 13 matches in it’s history. It’s 2015 inaugural season earned them 8 points through 13 followed by 17 the following year. Best ever in case you’re wonder was last year when they had 8 wins and 26 points through 13 matches.

3) The Union currently sit in 6th in the East with 18 points in 12 matches. Doop was eliminated from CONCACAF back on May 2 in semi-finals to LAFC (in a rematch of last year’s MLS Final) and from the US Open a week later in a 3-3 (and thrilling 7-6 on penalty kicks) loss to Minnesota. This will also be a reunion of sorts for NYCFC backup goalkeeper Matt Freese with his old club.

4) While the goal last night was big, the concern remains about the offensive output. NYCFC is currently 10th in the East in goals scored with 15 in 13 matches.