NYCFC returned to the Bronx on Friday night looking to win its sixth straight game for the first time in club history, but a quartet of errors defeated it as the blue and white lost 3-2 to the Columbus Crew.
Columbus Crew ends NYCFC’s winning streak
The Crew was the dominant team from the opening kickoff, but the heroics of goalkeeper Matthew Freese, who finished the match tying his season-high with nine saves, kept NYCFC in control until their first crucial error occurred.
In the 39th minute, Christian Ramírez got behind the backline, and Mitja Ilenic elbowed the 33-year-old in the back and earned an early trip to the showers when the referee showed him a red card.
NYCFC began to press shortly after and were rewarded when Augustin Ojeda finished inside the box after being set up by a clever backheel pass from Alonso Martínez. The blue and white team would go into half-time leading 1-0, but the lack of their right back on the pitch would cost them dearly.
With the space left, the Crew were able to easily advance into the offensive third and tie in the 48th minute. Maximilian Arfsten ran into the box before finding Cucho Hernández just to the left of the penalty spot. Hernández stumbled, but in the process the ball reached Ramírez, who was left unmarked in front of the net, and the 33-year-old made no mistake.
Six minutes later, the Crew took advantage of another NYCFC mistake. The black and yellow took advantage of the free space to find Arfsten on the left wing, who unleashed a shot that Freese could not corral, and Mohamed Farsi took advantage to make it 2-1.
The blue and white would have a couple of golden opportunities in attack that they failed to take advantage of before making the mistake that cost them the points.
Farsi would receive a penalty after being pushed from behind by Hannes Wolf after Farsi pushed him from behind on a header attempt.
Hernandez stepped up and unleashed a perfect shot into the top right corner to make it 3-1 Crew.
Despite a late attack that included a goal by Santiago Rodríguez in the 86th minute thanks to a perfect pass over the top of Maxi Moralez and 14 minutes of added time, NYCFC could not overcome their mistakes and left without a point.
“We knew there was going to be a fight,” Freese said after the game. “It was probably going to be ugly. Frustrated by the fact that it didn’t work out.”
What’s next for New York City FC??
Despite the loss, NYCFC remains tied with their derby rival, the New York Red Bulls, for third place in the Eastern Conference with 32 points.
Next up for NYCFC will be to hit the road for a midweek game against the LA Galaxy on Wednesday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 EST.
This post was published on 2024-06-15 12:53
