NYCFC Still Searching For First Win For It’s New Coach, Tie 2-2

For the second time in as many matches, NYCFC gives up a goal late and is forced to settled for a tie as Atlanta United leave the Bronx with a 2-2 tie; leaving Interim Head Coach Nick Cushing still searching for that elusive first win. In a match where New York got a pair of goals from last year’s Golden Boot winner Taty Castellanos; one at 37 minutes and the second at 58, they saw their lead lost twice, first by Josef Martinez at 56 & the other at 86 minutes by Dom Dwyer.

Cushing is aware of the issue. “Obviously we’re not happy to give up a late goal in Philadelphia, to give up a late goal today. We’ve had moments here in Yankee Stadium where we’ve got the second goal to give us a two goal lead or a three goal lead and the game is almost put to bed. We didn’t get that today and I think if you look across the games this season, we’ve given up chances throughout the game. Maybe we’ve just been a bit unlucky at the moment that Alex [Callens] slips and then they get the cutback. Maybe in previous games, before the break, maybe Sean [Johnson] pulls a save off there and, you know, you’re going to concede goals in this league because you’re playing against a really good Atlanta team. So yeah, it’s disappointing we didn’t get the two-goal cushion. It’s also disappointing we didn’t see the game off.”

Also concerning about this match was the workload on goalkeeper Sean Johnson who faced 8 shots on goal after facing 10 against Cincinnati and 6 against Philadelphia. Although the team has fallen to 4^th place since Cushing has taken over (going 0-1-3 in 4 MLS matches with a loss in the US Open as well) there is hope. His five matches took place over 15 days with their next match after a proper rest as they face New England at home 6 days later on July 9^th.

1495 Sports is proud to bring the following photos from the match. All photos taken by Jenny Rohl:

5 Notes:

1) NYCFC currently sits at 8-4-5 this season, good for 29 points. Although they have three matches in hand against first place RBNY, they sit 6 points behind the Harrison, NJ team.

2) Facing them are the New England Revolution who sit at 7^th place; a far cry different from last season’s 1^st place run from start to finish of the season. At 6-5-7 they’re in danger of losing that spot to Columbus or Miami.

3) Now at 10 goals, Taty Castellanos is tied with Jesus Ferreira of FC Dallas for most in MLS. Last year’s Golden Boot winner was unaware both that he was tied and that no player in MLS history had won it twice in a row.

4) Talles Magno continues to show he’s the future of the club. Although his 4 goals this season in 17 matches is double his 2 in 15 last year, it’s the assists that he’s showcasing his skills. He currently stands tied at 2^nd in MLS with 8 assists on the season, behind only Luciano Acosta at 10.

5) After their home match against New England the team has 5 matches on the road in 6 games, ending with a trip to Miami on August 13.