3 things we learned from the scoreless draw between NYCFC and Nashville SC | OneFootball

As the summer days come to a close, New York City FC welcomed Nashville SC for a Friday night matchup.  It was Labor Day weekend, and fans who attended the game hoped they would be treated to a good start to the holiday weekend.  Of course, any game against the league leaders is a challenge, and this was no exception.

However, it was realistic to think that the Bronx side would lose.  But somehow, a strong defensive performance ensured that the game ended in a 0-0 draw.  On paper, this was a good result.  But since NYCFC is in the middle of a winless streak, which has officially extended to six games in Major League Soccer and seven in all competitions, it was also a poor result.

The team kept themselves in the match despite Nashville’s stronger offense.  This created hope that maybe there was a chance the night would end in a win.

Of course, that did not happen.  The draw subsequently leaves fans with mixed feelings.  So, what did we learn from NYCFC’s match with Nashville SC?

Two injured players return for NYCFC

Keaton Parks unfortunately had to head back on the injury list, but thankfully, Alonso Martínez and Aiden O’Neill were both available off the bench.  The Costa Rican was available for the first time since he tore his ACL in November.  As such, he was out for about ten months.  He did not make his first appearance back yet, and he was not going to come on the pitch at all, but it was fantastic to see him on the bench.

On the other hand, O’Neill, who last played for NYCFC before the World Cup break, came on as a substitute in the 70th minute, replacing James Sands.  He had a solid first shift back with the Boys in Blue, and his return could not have come at a more perfect time.

Now, it will likely take O’Neill a few games to get back to the player that fans know him to be, and hopefully by the end of the regular season, he will be close to what fans saw from him during the World Cup.  Martínez will probably take longer, for that is common after ACL tears.  The striker might not be his true self until next summer.

Some positivity from NYCFC’s draw

There are plenty of negatives from the draw.  NYCFC’s winless streak will not end, they have scored one or no goals in their last four matches, and the probability of falling down the table continues to increase.  But there is some positivity as well.

As mentioned, the Pigeons held the first-place Nashville SC to a draw.  Not everyone can say that.  The strong defensive work was impressive, and more importantly, NYCFC did not give up the late goal.

In addition, the team has not lost in three games, which is somewhat successful.  Of those draws, only one truly felt like they missed out on the win, and the blame for the Toronto FC draw can be placed on Pascal Jansen.  Nevertheless, this winless streak could be worse.

It does not get easier

Sadly, the winless streak could extend, as the schedule does not get easier.  That is because another tough team, the New England Revolution, is the next opponent.  NYCFC might have ended the road match in a draw, but that does not mean good fortune will come their way at home.  It would be amazing, though, if the Pigeons could end the streak next week.