New York City FC send Philly packing

On a cold rainy night in Queens, New York City got what it desperately needed: a win. After two previous losses that saw the team lose games they probably should have won, Pascal Jansen’s men finaly put together a full 90 minutes and defeated Philadelphia Union 1-0.

It was not a pretty game with the weather being what it was but it was consistent and even. The stat line between the two teams was almost entirely split with New York City enjoying a little bit more possession, but the Union having a slightly higher expected goal ratio and a few more shots. Matt Freese was up to the task, however, and Philadelphia could not find the back of the net.

Matt Freese got a clean sheet Photo Credit: NewYorkCityFC.com

From the start, New York City pressed hard and created turnovers in promising positions only to not be clinical enough in the final third. This tendency has haunted them in the past two games and the team has made mistakes defensively that have a llowed opponents back into the game. Not on Saturday, though, as New York City broke through ten minutes after half.

Mitja Ilenic was active all night on the wing both defensively and on the attack. Photo Credit: Newyorkcityfc.com

Alonso Martinez had been causing the Union backline problems all night and a super pass by Mitja Ilenic bypassed the midfield and sprung Martinez on the break. Andrew Rick was forced way off his line and found himself lost as Martinez deftly bypassed the keeper and rolled the ball home. And that was it. There would be no more big chances for either squad and New York City managed to see out the game and hold on for the win.
It was a booster for a team on the verge of floundering and a much needed three points before they head on the road.

Pascal Jansen had this to say after the match. “[It was] very important. I just told the boys—this is the response I already expected last week going into the Minnesota game. We were switched on from the start today, ready for a fight…Philly is a tough side to play, but the guys handled themselves quite well, especially when looking at the previous games we’ve played at home.”

Midfielder and centerback, Justin Haak echoed the coach’s priase for the performance, “It feels great. [Against] Atlanta [United], we started well, and it was extremely disappointing to lose it. Against Minnesota, we started off terribly and struggled to get back into the game. To put in a full 90-minute performance feels really good.”

New York City now head North for road match ups with New England and Toronto, two teams currently sitting behind them in the table. Both are very winnable matches but the squad will have to continue to put in the full 90 to get results. If they do, they could be sitting in a good spot for their return home on May 4th.