New York City FC leave Chester with no points following a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia Union on Saturday night. While the playoffs are already in sight, games against tough competition like the Union help head coach Pascal Jansen learn where his team needs to improve. Their inability to take advantage of scoring opportunities is one that will certainly haunt the club in this, and previous, games.
“We had the moments in the first half to get ourselves ahead of Philadelphia,” said Jansen after the game. “We missed them. In other games against top-seeded teams, like Columbus, we got the goals or came back into the game and did the job. Today, Philadelphia held the 1-0 and we couldn’t get back.”
While City’s recent run of form has been impressive, with four wins out of their last six games, it is their performances against top level opponents that is troubling. This 1-0 loss, along with a 4-0 loss to Inter Miami, punctuates the team’s issues against potential playoff opponents. As it currently stands, NYC would be on the road to play FC Charlotte. With one game remaining against another tough MLS club in Seattle Sounders, it is imperative for them to get the win and push for a game at home.
Currently City are tied on points with Charlotte, putting all of the onus on NYC to win in their final home game in two weeks.
“The focus is getting three points against Seattle, finishing on 59 points and then focusing on the playoffs,” said Jansen about the last game of the season. “Whatever position we finish in, the goal is to perform again and get on top.”
There is no denying offensive talent on City’s roster. It took just two minutes for Alonso Martinez to nearly open the scoring against Philadelphia. The Costa Rican winger-turned-striker has netted 17 goals in the league, putting him even with others for fourth in the Golden Boot race. Others like Hannes Wolf have also provided consistency in the attacking third. When the combination is working, City are one of the best offenses in the league. However, they have experienced moments of drought that have left the club frustrated.
“We had a good look with Alonso early,” said midfielder Justin Haak. “Hannes had a good look but we weren’t able to create too many chances. It was just about finishing it off when we did have those moments.”
Next is the last international break for the MLS regular season. NYCFC will be back in action on Saturday the 18th at Citi Field for the last home game of the 2025 season against the Seattle Sounders.
photo from NYCFC