New York City FC played a tactically conservative game on Saturday night against LAFC before an 86th minute goal by Ryan Hollingshead gave the home club, LAFC a 1-0 win. The match saw both clubs battle, specifically in the midfield but it was second half substitutions that made the difference as LA was able to find what they needed to win their second straight game.
City were defensively stout throughout much of the first half with little to show offensively. This, despite having two strikers in Alonso Martinez and Mounsef Bakrar on the pitch. Both clubs engaged in attempts to pass through the midfield but neither was effective in doing so. By the first half break, both teams and head coaches appeared more frustrated with a lack of creativity than anything else.
The second half opened up once both teams went to their respective benches. City had to make a first half chance due to an injury to defender Tayvon Gray. However it was their move to take out Maxi Moralez in the 60th minute that may have cost them the most.
Moralez, the team’s spiritual leader and most talented player, was a key part of the team’s midfield strength. Once he was removed, Pascal Jansen watched his team open up to LA’s advances, eventually leading to the game’s opening goal. Despite star forwards such as Martinez and Olivier Giroud on the field, it was defensive midfielder Hollingshead that broke the deadlock. A strong passing sequence force City’s defense open and the midfielder ran into the box to take the opportunity.
For NYC it is yet another game where a late goal deprived them of points. A stoppage time giveaway against Miami is compounded by an 86th minute goal that left the club feeling empty about their performance.
The only positive is that City will return to Yankee Stadium for their home-opener next Saturday against Orlando City SC. It’ll be a chance to erase the hardships of a difficult road trip and set the path to success despite disappointing results.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Gray (8′ Ilenic), Tanasijevic (75′ Martins), Risa, O’Toole, Haak, Parks, Moralez (60′ Perea), Wolf (74′ Fernandez), Martinez, Bakrar (60′ Ojeda)
Los Angeles FC: Lloris; Marlon (61′ Delgado), Tafari, Segura, Palencia (77′ Smolyakov), Jesus (61′ Hollingshead), Tillman, Yeboah, Ordaz (61′ Martinez), Ebobisse (77′ Giroud), Bouanga
SCORING SUMMARY:
86′ (LAFC) Ryan Hollingshead (1) assisted by
DISCIPLINE:
42′ (NYCFC) Keaton Parks – YELLOW CARD
45′ (NYCFC) Mounsef Bakrar – YELLOW CARD
57′ (LAFC) Nathan Ordaz – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jordan Bank