New York City FC relied on a second half goal from Alonso Martinez to carry the club to a much-needed road win over Chicago Fire FC, solidifying their hopes of making the MLS Cup Playoffs. The game itself was a difficult one for Pascal Jansen’s men as both sides pressed and took advantage of momentary lapses. The difference came down to national team goalkeeper Matt Freese and a second half push from the offense to grab the result.
Chicago started strong by pressuring City’s newest signing Raul Gustavo. One such push forced an error that led to the game’s opening goal. An errant pass from Gustavo saw Brian Gutierrez run in on goal before finding Phillip Zinkernagel for the finish. It didn’t take long for City to respond but Fire keeper Chris Brady came up with big saves. One in particular close to goal kept Martinez off the score sheet in the first half.
City were able to find the equalizer in the 40th minute when Chicago’s defense lapsed, seeing Hannes Wolf and Kevin O’Toole run into the penalty area. A pass in front of goal found Nico Fernandez for a tap-in, altering the momentum of the game heading into the second half.
NYC controlled large swaths of the final half, as they pushed for the inevitable game winner. It came in the 57th minute when the Fire made a poor pass, sending Martinez in on goal for his 15th tally of the season. Chicago did attempt a comeback with a higher press but City were stout defensively and countered, creating their own chances. The game’s final goal came from youngster Seymour Reid. The 17 year-old striker doubled the lead and helped the club breath a sigh of relief.
The win gives City room, making it far more difficult for them to fall out of the playoff picture with a little more than a month left in the campaign. Next will be a quick turnaround as NYC return home to play Columbus Crew at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Gray, Gustavo (90′ Tanasijevic), Martins, Haak, O’Toole, N. Fernandez (80′ Ojeda), O’Neill (71′ Shore), Wolf, Martinez (90′ Reid), Moralez
Chicago Fire FC: Brady; Dean, Waterman (81′ Barlow), Elliott, Gutman, Franco (56′ Oregel), Gutierrez, D’Avilla, Zinkernagel, Cuypers, Bamba (67′ Haile-Selassie)
SCORING SUMMARY:
13′ (Chicago Fire FC) Phillip Zinkernagel (12) assisted by Brian Gutierrez
40′ (New York City FC) Nico Fernandez (1) assisted by Kevin O’Toole and Hannes Wolf
57′ (New York City FC) Alonso Martinez (15) unassisted
90′ (New York City FC) Seymour Reid (1) assisted by Tayvon Gray
DISCIPLINE:
37′ (New York City FC) Aiden O’Neill – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jordan Bank