(This week’s NYCFC recap has been completed by two Junior Reporters from All Hallows High School as part of a program to bring sports journalism opportunities to high school juniors ahead of their senior year. Our writers Gabriel Hernandez and David Ramesar collected stats live from Yankee Stadium and completed the recap that night for a big win for NYCFC)
BRONX, N.Y. – NYCFC defeated San Jose Earthquakes 5-1 on Friday with goals from Hannes Wolf, Santiago Rodriguez and a hat trick from Alonso Martinez. Club legend Maxi Moralez returned and had an assist in the second half.
City took charge early in the game game with Jovan Mijatović’s header going over San Jose’s goal in the 2nd minute. San Jose’s response included three fouls in the first 10 minutes. City’s direct and aggressive approach caused two yellow cards to be issued to Julián Fernández followed by defender Strahinja Tanasijević in the 15th minute and 17th minute respectively. San Jose attempted to seize control of the game causing a foul from Jackson Yueill, resulting in a yellow card. There were signs of life from both teams as substitutions were made and both sides started to apply pressure in a controlled manner.
Both teams had an erratic approach to controlling the pace at the start of the second half which was overcome following substitutions.
Eager to score, City took a direct handling approach in the second half. They took control early in the second half with Wolf scoring in the 50th minute assisted by Rodríguez. This goal set the tempo for the game, but San Jose’s Amahl Pellegrino scored three minutes after, quickly tying the game. Both teams eager to score saw a yellow card for James Sand and missed scoring opportunities.
City made two substitutions in the 74th and 75th minute, electrifying the team to put up four goals late in the second half. Rodríguez scored in the 80th minute unassisted, giving City the lead. AMartínez in the 85th minute provided City with one insurance goal assisted by the returning Moralez. San Jose could not find the play to challenge City as Martínez found a gap to put in another goal in the 92nd minute, electrifying Yankee Stadium. Malachi Jones missed a scoring opportunity but became invaluable with an assist allowing Martínez to complete his hat trick in the 95th minute. This solidified the win in the Bronx, sending fans home happy.
City overcame a slow start to finish strong and make history with the club’s fastest hat trick. Moralez’s return also helped to spark City to within four points of second place. A happy Yankee Stadium saw the team finish strong and win their fifth game in a row.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese, Gray, Tanasijević, Risa, O’Toole (39′ Ilenic), Sands, Parks (75′ Perea), Fernández (58′ Jones), Rodríguez, Wolf (74′ Moralez), Mijatović (58′ Martínez)
San Jose Earthquakes: Yarbrough, Marie (85′ Judd), Wilson (34′ Munie), Rodrigues, Beason, Tsakiris (81′ Skahan), Yueill, Pellegrino (82′ Gruezo), López, Espinoza
SCORING SUMMARY:
50′ (NYCFC) Hannes Wolf assisted by Santiago Rodríguez
53′ (San Jose) Amahl Pellegrino assisted by Hernán López
80′ (NYCFC) Santiage Rodríguez unassisted
85′ (NYCFC) Alonso Martínez assisted by Maxi Moralez
90’+2′ (NYCFC) Alonso Martínez unassisted
90’+5′ (NYCFC) Alonso Martínez assisted by Andrés Perea and Malachi Jones
DISCIPLINE:
15′ (NYCFC) Julian Fernandez – YELLOW CARD
17′ (NYCFC) Strahinja Tanasijević – YELLOW CARD
23′ (San Jose) Jackson Yueill – YELLOW CARD
60′ (NYCFC) James Sand – YELLOW CARD