In front of a crowd of 22,267 at Citi Field the Inaugural 2023 League Cup match between New York City FC and Atlas FC thrilled soccer fans in the battle between Liga MX and MLS, as Atlas FC came out on top by a final of 1-0.
In a rematch of a Campeones Cup, there were a ton of tremendous scoring opportunities, a ton of stellar defensive plays and a new look NYCFC roster.
Things looked very strong for New York City FC as Talles Magno, one of the players that has been consistently putting in some great performances, continues to show why he is going to be a huge part of the squad with an attempt at the 4′.
Fans are encouraged to check out the following photos By: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports
There are also the following Post Match Press Conference videos for fans to enjoy:
NYCFC Head Coach Nick Cushing:
For those fans that can speak Spanish enjoy these thoughts from Atlas FC Defender Javier Abella :
In that moment though Atlas FC stepped up their defensive play in blocking that opportunity and started to get the momentum on their side.
Thanks to their momentum Atlas got the scoring going on a goal by Aldo Rocha, as he was able to connect on a right footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom right corner at the 6:11′.
As the teams flew up and down the pitch as NYCFC tried to find the game-tying goal, starting with an attempt by Santiago Rodriguez at the 17′.
NYCFC goalkeeper Luis Barraza made a stellar save at the 21′ from an attempt by Luis Reyes. The visiting side kept the pedal to the medal with an attempt by Jordy Caicedo at the 23′.
Maxime Chanot tried his hand at scoring at the 35′ as he had himself a right footed shot that went high and to the right. And during this stretch the Boys in Blue started to gain a bit of momentum, as Braian Cufré tried a left footed shot that also just missed.
Prior to the Half NYCFC had full momentum as Thiago Martins and Magno had the fans oohing and ahhing at the shots that they attempted. And the attempt by Magno had many moaning as the ball just clunked off the post.
As the teams came back on the pitch after the Half, the fast-paced action continued with Atlas continuing to try their hand in scoring with an attempt by Eduardo Aguirre.
It was around the 62′ that Cufré tried a left footed shot that soared over the cage.
Fans of New York City FC got an early treat, as the newest member of the squad Monsef Bakrar made his debut.
Bakrar is having himself a whirlwind of an entry to the world of New York Sports, in getting off the plane 36 hours ago, having a training session with the team and then entering the field in New York to a very warm welcome by the fans.
The best sign for fans of the team is that he instantly got himself positive minutes by attempting a left footed shot at the 83′.
Then in one of the more heart wrenching moments came at the 90 Plus 2 marker, as Justin Haak seemed as if he tied up the night much to the delight of all within the stadium.
After much talking someone somewhere noticed something about the play to talk to the officiating crew to see if there is the possibility of an offsides. With the officiating crew and the VAR folks looking over the play in a five-minute time span the goal was called back, causing afterward a moment that is going to be debated as to if the goal should have stood or if in fact the call is proper.
Either way it was Atlas FC coming out on top with a 1-0 victory, even though NYCFC Led in several statistical categories; much like they have in their MLS play.
Some of the categories the team led in is possession % ~ 66, total passes ~595, Passing Accuracy ~ 86.9%, duels won ~ 65.
The hopes for this squad is that they can turn their fortunes around quickly and wipe away the bad memories with a match in the second and final match of the League Cup Group Stage, as they go up against Toronto FC on Wednesday, July 26 at Red Bull Arena.
The kickoff for the match between NYCFC and Toronto FC is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
For more information on New York City FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
For more information on the Leagues Cup 2023 fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: