NYCFC's MLS winless streak and losing streak to CF Montréal continue after loss | OneFootball

Entering this weekend, New York City FC was 0-3-2 in the last five games in Major League Soccer.  There was an issue with scoring goals that they should have in a few of those games.  However, when the Pigeons were finally brilliant in the attack, the defense imploded in the 4-4 draw with FC Cincinnati on Wednesday.  That is why the pressure was at an all-time high to beat CF Montréal on the road, but they failed, losing 1-0.

This now marks the third 1-0 loss in a row and fourth overall to the Canadian team.  It is puzzling why they have turned into the Pigeons’ kryptonite, even when the strength of the rosters gives a huge edge to the Bronx side.

Before the fixture even started, NYCFC announced that they had signed Arnau Farnós to the first team.  This was expected since he was out of short-term loan agreements from NYCFC II, but it was shocking to see the rookie in the starting lineup over Talles Magno.  The Brazilian has been superb off the bench, and many fans on social media, and even here at Skyscraper Blues, wanted to see him start in MLS.

Alas, one can only wonder whether Magno would have found the back of the net if he had started.  Farnós had a decent first start, but the fact that he started was frustrating, creating some questions about what Pascal Jansen is doing.

Another game, another loss for NYCFC

It appeared that the way the backline fell apart on Wednesday impacted the start of the game.  NYCFC was very shaky and played poorly.  The number of giveaways in their own half and the opportunities provided to CF Montréal had alarm bells ringing.

Truth be told, the Boys in Blue played way below even their okay level of play in those first 20 minutes.  Therefore, it was not a surprise that they allowed a goal.  In the 18th minute, Matty Longstaff had a pitch-perfect pass right into the box to CF Montréal’s star, Prince Owusu.  The forward barely had to do anything, for Thiago Martins and Kai Trewin failed to mark him properly, and Owusu put the ball into the back of the net as he fell to the ground.

Yet, within the next five to ten minutes, NYCFC emerged, although a little late since they did not score.  The Pigeons began to dominate the pace of play and the possession.  Although, unlike the insane attack in the midweek game, the opportunities were lackluster throughout the 90 minutes.

The dominance did not last, though, for the home team was better in the second half again.  At the very least, NYCFC did not play as they did at the start.  What was missing was the killer instinct that they had against FC Cincinnati.  There was a chance here and there, but the Boys in Blue could not produce enough stellar opportunities to have those needed chances on target.

Meanwhile, Jansen made three substitutions in the 65th minute, bringing on Raul Gustavo, Talles Magno, and Seymour Reid, but nobody was making an impact.  Even Magno was not the same as he was in the last few matches, but he was the most influential of all the changes.  His best chance came in the 80th minute, but his shot was easily saved.

Still, as the second half progressed, NYCFC started to lose focus a little bit.  Again, there was miscommunication, especially with Reid.  That can come down to the young player's inexperience, but he left so much off the pitch, with only a few quality moments.  It also did not help when Tayvon Gray received a second yellow card to be sent off via a red card in the 78th minute.

There was one positive: Andrés Perea made his return after he suffered the awful leg injury in the playoffs last year.  But otherwise, NYCFC once again failed to earn that needed win, extending the winless streak in MLS to six games.

It makes one wonder whether the Boys in Blue will ever beat Montréal again.  It has been constantly stressed that, on paper, they should have beaten the Canadian team.  At the same time, what in the world is going on with the Bronx side?  Yes, they do not have a starting striker, but the season should be slightly better.

The frustration continues to grow, and truly, the honeymoon period is over with Jansen.  The head coach has made some questionable decisions over the last few weeks, and the inability to unlock a win is giving flashbacks to the previous head coach’s tenure.  NYCFC is digging a deep hole that they might not be able to climb out of when the season comes to an end.