New York City FC Pascal Jansen had nothing but praise for his side after their 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union on Saturday night. The win was well deserved according to the coach after a few weeks where the team lacked focus for the entirety of the contest.
“This is the response I already expected,” said Jansen after the previous week’s loss to Minnesota. “We were switched on from the start today, ready for a fight. Philly is a tough side to play, but the guys handled themselves quite well. Especially when looking at the previous games we played at home.”
City had suffered an embarrassing 2-1 loss a week prior in a game where they fell behind just minutes after the opening whistle. The previous week, they had seen themselves collapse in Atlanta, surrendering their two-goal lead late in the contest. This week, the attitude was different. City pushed the game from the opening kick and refused to give the Union any room for a comeback.
All of this was marked by Alonso Martinez’s fifth goal of the season. A second half effort that saw him get on the end of a majestic cross from Mitja Ilenic, was all it took to solidify three points and get the team back on track. Normally, a lead has been difficult to maintain for NYC, but they responded with the kind of effort Jansen has been looking for all season.
“Helping the team, that’s the priority,” said Martinez after the game. “Scoring goals makes me happy. I hope to keep it up for the upcoming matches.”
In Martinez, City has found the goalscorer they have been lacking since the departure of Valentin Castellanos. A converted winger, Martinez’s pace and eye for goal have made him one of the elite forwards in Major League Soccer. The goal this weekend not only confirmed that but it also showed just how clutch he can be when the team needs him the most.
“We all knew it would be an important game,” said assist-man Ilenic. “Today, I think we showed a different character. Fighting for every ball, every part of the field. It feels really nice to get the three points and build good momentum before going on the road.”
Next up is an important but difficult game against New England Revolution. Gillette Stadium is not an easy trip for any team but City is hoping that their recent form can carry them towards results away from the five boroughs.
photo by Jordan Bank