There was a combination of some stellar defensive play along with two goals by Alonso Martínez that led New York City FC to a 2-0 victory against CF Montreal in MLS Action at Citi Field.
Thus far while they are in the New York area the Boys in Blue are in a two-game winning streak as they were also able to defeat Orlando recently at Yankee Stadium.
Thanks to some beautiful combinations the guys were able to gain an early lead by Alonso Martínez in the 9′, that got the guys and the 18,209 at Citi Field into the match.
Things got a little intense for a bit as the Martínez goal went under a review process prior to become official, a hush came across the Citi Field crowd as the MLS officials reviewed the play, but then burst into enthusiastic cheers once the tally became official.
Fans of NYCFC are encouraged to give a view to the following photo gallery from the match against Montreal:
From there it was the NYCFC defense along with the play of goalkeeper Matt Freese that kept Montreal away from the goal scoring opportunities.
At the half the guys were up by one and after the breather returned to the pitch with the energy and passion they had in the First as they continued to attack the Montreal net.
Martínez in the 56′ from a wonderful combination by Hannes Wolf. There were a ton of great chances by the guys after that for the third goal of the match as Agustín Ojeda and Wolf both tried to find the back of the net.
Martinez is now tied with tied with Midfielder Santiago Rodríguez for most goals this season for New York City FC.
Another impressive stat courtesy of the New York City FC is the fact that this is Martínez second game where he has scored two or more goals.
Other notes from the team include the fact that Wolf now has goal contributions in two consecutive matches (1G, 2A). James Sands is playing well as he is contributing assists in back-to-back matches, with a second assist in tonight’s match against Montréal and an assist against Orlando in the previous match.
CF Montreal fought till the end and made many attempts to score, but again the stellar defense and the play of Freese saved the day and the clean sheet.
Head Coach Nick Cushing has this to say on the team getting the clean sheet, “It’s critical [to have a clean sheet]. When you have a goalkeeper like Matt Freese who performed at a really high level, he deserves clean sheets. When we give sloppy goals away and cheap goals like the one at Nashville [FC], LA [Galaxy], the Orlando [City SC] goals, they frustrate me, because we pride ourselves on our defensive solidity, such as last year, [when we had] a really good defensive record. For us, it’s about even when we’re up 2-0, 3-0, it’s retaining that hunger, that desire, and that standard to make sure that we get clean sheets, because goal difference may come into it at some point. [I am] really pleased tonight to get clean sheets and not give a lot away in goal chances. It has to be outstanding, and we have to continue that.”
To see more of what Coach Cushing had to say after the team’s victory fans are encouraged to click on the video below:
With this clean sheet the team now has four on the season, as the guys continue to impress with the style of play especially in front of the hometown crowd.
The guys are going to now be on the road for four matches before returning to Yankee Stadium to take on Queretaro in Leagues Cup Action.
For more information on New York City FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: