QUEENS, N.Y. – New York City FC make it two in a row with a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati at Citi Field on Sunday afternoon. A first half goal from Julian Fernandez was the difference as the team defended well on a rain-socked pitch. Despite pressing for a second goal, City was able to fend off an impressive Cincinnati team and move past rivals New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings.
Injuries forced an interesting line-up for head coach Pascal Jansen. One of his more potent attacking players, Hannes Wolf, was forced to play in a defensive wingback role while midfielder Andres Perea moved up to be a central part of the attack. City were able to catch Cincinnati off balance early in the contest and took advantage of a deflected ball to find the first and only goal of the game.
Fernandez, who scored his second goal of the season, saw the ball fall to his feet near the top of the box. He struck it hard, sending it past goalkeeper Roman Celentano for the game-winning effort. City didn’t let up as they pressed for a brace. Minutes later star striker Alonso Martinez was brought down in the box, sending the team’s leading scorer to the penalty spot. Unfortunately for the home side, his strike hit the right post, keeping the game tight.
Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan wasted little time in making changes to start the second half. Gerardo Valenzuela and Sergio Santos attempted to add a spark for the visitors. However, NYC stood firm defensively and pushed forward on the counter with key chances from Martinez. One in particular found the post after beating the goalkeeper extremely wide of the net.
As the rain continued to fall, Cincinnati did their best to press their chances, leaving opportunities for substitutes Agustin Ojeda and Mounsef Bakrar. Neither could convert but the concerted defensive effort of the club was enough to hand City their second straight win and continue their dominance in the five boroughs.
The win moves NYCFC up to seventh place, passing New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution and Orlando City SC. Next up is a trip to Pittsburgh for the US Open Cup round of 32 against the Riverhounds. That game on Wednesday stamps a difficult week for the club as they return home next weekend to face FC Montreal.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Feese; Gray, Haak, Martins, Wolf, Parks (26′ Risa), Shore, Moralez, Fernandez (85′ Ojeda), Martinez (85′ Bakrar), Perea (53′ Cavallo)
FC Cincinnati: Celentano; Yedlin, Miazga (69′ Flores), Robinson, Hagglund (46′ Santos), Engel (90′ Smith), Kubo (46′ Valenzuela), Anunga, Evander, Orellano (81′ Baird), Denkey
SCORING SUMMARY:
7′ (NYCFC) Julian Fernandez (2) unassisted
DISCIPLINE:
12′ (FC Cincinnati) Matt Miazga – YELLOW CARD
40′ (NYCFC) Matt Freese – YELLOW CARD
72′ (NYCFC) Hannes Wolf – YELLOW CARD
75′ (NYCFC) Justin Haak – YELLOW CARD
90′ (FC Cincinnati) Evander – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jodan Banks