New York City FC played to a scoreless draw with DC United on Wednesday night, extending their winless streak to three consecutive games in all competitions. The game at Audi Field was marked by good moments in chance creation by Pascal Jansen’s men but none of the opportunities led to the much needed goal.
City controlled possession in the first half as they pressured DC and found moments to spring forward. Alonso Martinez with the woodwork just minutes into the game and the club looked poised to grab the lead following the early departure of United’s best offensive threat Christian Benteke. Former NYC goalkeeper Luis Barraza was more than up to the task, coming up with big saves to keep the game level heading into the second half.
City continued to pressure in the second half with Troy Lesesne’s DC doing their best to absorb the pressure. Newly minted signing Aiden O’Neill hit the post in the 65th minute, nearly giving NYC their much needed goal. The away team continued to throw everything at their beleaguered opposition but it wasn’t enough to grab a much needed road win.
The draw does give City a point and move them to ninth place, one point under rivals New York Red Bulls at the time of publishing. Next up will be a playoff rematch with the Red Bulls at Citi Field where they lost 2-0 in November. Head coach Pascal Jansen and company will hope to correct their recent scoring woes which has seen the club fail to hit the back of the net in three games.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Gray (73′ Ilenic), Haak, Martins, Risa (73′ Cavallo), Shore (65′ Carrizo), Perea, Moralez (46′ O’Neill), Fernandez, Martinez, Wolf (81′ Ojeda)
DC United: Barraza; Tubbs, Bartlett, Rowles, Herrera, Enow (59′ Seravina), Peltola (81′ Hopkins), Schneggs, Leal (59′ Zouhir), Benteke, Kijima (59′ Stroud)
SCORING SUMMARY:
DISCIPLINE:
34′ (DC United) Boris Enow – YELLOW CARD
57′ (NYCFC) Andres Perea – YELLOW CARD
87′ (NYCFC) Garrison Tubbs – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jordan Bank