3 things we learned as NYCFC continues to struggle against Charlotte FC | OneFootball

New York City FC and Charlotte FC faced off for the first time this season on a hot Saturday night in North Carolina.  The Pigeons wanted to win their second road game of the season, and this was the first of four opportunities in a row.  Unfortunately, they could not find the back of the net and lost 2-0.

Regardless of the result, there was something very noticeable regarding the Bronx side’s roster: Birk Risa was not there.  There are rumors about him leaving the club, which is not surprising since he has lost out on his spot in the lineup at times.  Truthfully, he was just an okay center-back and did not play to the standard that others have set before him.

There was also a delay due to storms, for both sides had to wait over 80 minutes before they could take the pitch.  That could have influenced the match, but NYCFC did play well.  They just could not score.  Then, Charlotte FC, who is likely losing Patrick Agyemang to a transfer, scored twice without their star forward.

In the end, this was a disappointing loss, especially because the Pigeons outplayed the Crown, minus the goals, of course.  So, here are three things we learned from the game between NYCFC and Charlotte FC.

NYCFC started the road trip poorly

The match against Charlotte was NYCFC’s first of four on the road.  As fans know, playing away from home is never easy, and the Bronx side tends to struggle.  Saturday’s game was no different as the Boys in Blue could not earn all three points, losing to Charlotte for the fifth time in seven matchups.

However, they played well, and that makes this loss frustrating. They maintained over 54% of the possession and had a successful passing percentage of about 89%.  They had 15 shots with four on target and consistently began attacking Charlotte with ferocity by the end of the first half.

Yet, NYCFC has lost away from home again.  It is becoming frustrating, especially when they play well.  But the Bronx side could not find the back of the net, leading to a poor start on the road.  This was not the tone the team wanted to set.  Moreover, the concern grows that July can hurt the Pigeons due to the multiple road games.  One can only hope that the misfortunes are reversed at some point.

The 38th minute might have shown the future

There were many missed chances for NYCFC.  There were also frustrating ones where the question of how they did not score likely screamed loudly in the minds of the supporters.  A perfect example came in the 38th minute.

A giveaway by Charlotte allowed Alonso Martínez to take a shot with the home side’s goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, off his line.  However, Adilson Malanda perfectly blocked his shot, heading the ball away.  But the Pigeons have another opportunity since the ball fell right to Agustín Ojeda.  For a brief second, it seemed like he would draw the score level.  However, Kahlina somehow made the stop and saved Charlotte.

This moment might have shown the future, for there were similar chances taken that probably should have ended in the back of the net.  But, missed shots and a solid defense kept NYCFC goalless.

By the time the 78th minute rolled around, Maxi Moralez had a decent shot that was also saved.  But it was his reaction of devastation that gave the feeling that the match was over before it was.  Of course, Charlotte added another a few minutes later to end any chance of NYCFC earning a point.

The pressure rises for NYCFC

After the loss, NYCFC has a short turnaround.  The Pigeons will face Orlando City SC next, and the Florida stadium has often been unkind to the New York City team.  But this is one of the moments in the season where the players have to take advice from a fictional head coach, Ted Lasso, and “be a goldfish.”

The Boys in Blue have to try to forget the past and focus on the upcoming game.  It might be easier said than done, though, for they know how high the pressure will be on Wednesday.  Losing twice in a row on this road trip could dampen the confidence of everyone.

If NYCFC fails again and loses to Orlando, then the pressure will ultimately rise.  What the team does not want is to end this trip without a win.  It will continue to be difficult, though, and losing to Charlotte did not do any favors.