New York City FC score a big win over Liga MX side Leon, 2-0, at SI Stadium to keep their Leagues Cup hopes alive. A 2-0 loss to Puebla forced City to not just will themselves into the win column but also score a significant amount since goal difference may be the decider between who advances to the knockout stage of the competiton.
City started their game fast when Alsono Martinez got on the scorecard in the seventh minute and putting Guanajuato club on the back foot. Pascal Jansen’s men continued to push the contest in search of a second goal, finding it in the 32nd minute through Agustin Ojeda. Martinez, one of the team’s top goal scorers, provided the assist, showing how important he to the team’s offense.
“The truth is I have teammates who help me a lot to move forward,” said Martinez after the game. “It is very important for the group to be winning, be confident, be confident and continue improving little-by-little.”
The game could have taken a seismic shift in the 58th minute when Leon was awarded a penalty. Colombian legend James Rodriguez stepped up to the spot in an effort to cut the lead in half. US Men’s National Team goalkeeper Matt Freese was more than up to the task, stopping Rodriguez and keeping the 2-0 lead. It was enough to see the team through and score their first win in the 2025 Leagues Cup.
“Massive,” said head coach Pascal Jansen on the importance of Freese’s penalty save. “Matt’s save was huge because that could have given them momentum to fight their way back into the game. We denied it, or Matt denied it.”
The win gives City a much needed boost in the MLS standings of the Leagues Cup. Now sitting in 10th place, another win in their last game could see them into the top four depending on results. One thing is for sure, goal difference will be a huge deciding factor and getting into the positive side of such a stat will do the team well.
photo from NYCFC