QUEENS, N.Y. – A second half goal from star striker Alonso Martinez keeps New York City FC from dropping three consecutive games after a 1-0 defeat of the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night at Citi Field. The game was one of the strongest performances the team has had all season, avoiding their late game lapses to show what they are capable of against a tough Eastern Conference foe.
City pushed the game from the first whistle, winning midfield battles and creating dangerous opportunities. One such chance came in the 11th minute when Union keeper Andrew Vincent Rick was force to stop a right-footed shot by Hannes Wolf. A rebound effort from Agustin Ojeda was also stopped, to keep the game level. City were able to push the Union into a defensive shell which they remained in for a majority of the game.
The opening goal came early in the second half when Mijta Ilenic sent a ball across the field to Martinez who caught Rick off his line and easily slotted the ball into an empty net. The connection highlighted what players like Ilenic can do for City and how important such passes are for a natural scorer like Martinez. It was the fifth goal of the season for the Costa Rican forward and gave City the confidence to play on. Other efforts from the likes of Maxi Moralez were off the mark but continued to keep Philadelphia on their heels.
The Union did gain a semblance of momentum late in the game when head coach Pascal Jansen fell into a more defensive shell to finish off the game. NYC goalkeeper and defense were up to the task, bending but not breaking under the pressure of a usually well organized opponent.
The win bumps NYCFC up to 10th place in the Eastern conference and gives them the motivation they need heading into a two-game road trip in New England and Toronto. City remain winless on the road in 2025 but showed a poise that can be duplicated in difficult environments like Foxboro next week.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Ilenic, Haak, Martins, O’Toole, Parks, Shore, Moralez (75′ Fernandez), Wolf (86′ Bakrar), Martinez, Ojeda (86′ Risa)
Philadelphia Union: Rick; Harriel, Glesnes, Makhanya (86′ Westfield), Wagner, Vassilev, Lukic, Jacques (66′ Uhre), Sullivan (75′ Bedoya), Damiani (75′ Donovan), Baribo
SCORING SUMMARY:
55′ (New York City FC) Alonso Martinez (5) assisted by Mitja Ilenic
DISCIPLINE:
33′ (Philadelphia Union) Olwethu Makhanya – YELLOW CARD
90′ (Philadelphia Union) Francis Westfield – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jordan Bank