NYCFC stuns the Philadelphia Union, winning to stay in the MLS Cup Playoffs | OneFootball

New York City FC knew it would not be easy against the Philadelphia Union when they met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs.  The Union beat the Pigeons in the last regular-season meeting, which led them to win the MLS Supporters’ Shield.  Plus, with a few starters missing, the Boys in Blue entered the game with their backs against the wall. That did not matter, though, for they won 1-0 to book a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

As mentioned, NYCFC was without a few players.  Alonso Martínez is out due to a knee injury that is believed to be an ACL tear.  Then, Andrés Perea suffered a lower leg fracture.  Both players will probably not see the pitch, at the earliest, until the weather is warm again.  Aiden O’Neill was also out due to yellow card accumulation.

This led Pascal Jansen to rotate Justin Haak in the defensive midfield and backline, with Jonathan Shore entering the defensive midfield as well.  Subsequently, Raul Gustavo stepped into the center-back role, but often found himself on the left side, with Kevin O’Toole moving into the defensive midfield.  Eventually, the two players stayed in those spots. Then, up front, Agustín Ojeda started as the right-winger, and Nicolás Fernández Mercau somewhat played as the center-forward.  But did these changes work?

Overall, the offense from Martínez was missed.  But the players on the pitch and the substitutes that came on did their job defensively to lead to the win.

NYCFC is still alive in the postseason

It took a little bit of time for NYCFC and Philadelphia to create offensive opportunities, with Fernández Mercau starting the shots with a crazy attempt that saw the ball hit the post in the 15th minute. The Pigeons wanted the home team to know that they were ready to fight.  And, for the most part, the game was pretty even in the opening 30 minutes or so.

Yet, the Bronx side was the team to strike first in the 27th minute.  Ojeda made a run on the right side after a pass from Tayvon Gray and danced his way toward the box.  He found his fellow Argentine, Fernández Mercau, who was right outside the center of the box.  The newest Argentine then sent a through-ball to the longest-tenured Argentine, Maxi Moralez, who swept the ball past Andre Blake.

This was a great moment for the NYCFC legend, but Philadelphia began to control most of the offensive chances afterward.  The Union had eight shots, and two of Matt Freese’s three first-half saves came after the goal.  The visitors had to dig in and defend, while also appreciating some luck with a few shots going just wide.

NYCFC had to find a way to score in the second half, for Philadelphia was not going to stop.  But thankfully, the halftime break stopped the surge, and the Pigeons were able to get back into the fight.  As such, in the 55th minute, Fernández Mercau had another amazing opportunity right near the halfway line in his team’s own half.

The Designated Player shot the ball from his own half toward the goal, and it was close to rolling into the goal.  Blake had to stretch out to make an incredible save, but it appeared he injured his hamstring in the process.  The Union goalkeeper had to come out of the match, and NYCFC faced Andrew Rick for the remainder of the fixture.  Still, Fernández Mercau’s attempt would have been the goal of the postseason if it had gone into the goal.

But again, Philadelphia, although not as intense, controlled the pace of play after that attempt and had more offensive opportunities, remaining consistent in the attack.  The Boys in Blue had to diligently work hard to intercept, force the ball out of play, block passes or shots, and so much more.

One cannot forget about Freese, who had two thrilling saves later in the second half.  His leg save from a shot by Francis Westfield in the 74th minute, and his finger-touch reaching save after a powerful strike by Milan Iloski in stoppage time kept the game 1-0.  Otherwise, the home side would have found the back of the net.

Truthfully, most of the second half was controlled by the Union.  NYCFC had a few chances, including a shot by Moralez that was saved by Rick in the 79th minute.  However, they struggled to have enough possession to take more shots.

But as time went by, the Pigeons could taste the win.  They were so close, but had to remain consistent in their defending, like the Union was consistent in the attack.  So, when the final whistle blew, NYCFC shocked everyone.  The Shield winners were stronger in the attack, but everyone became the brick wall that they needed.

This win will definitely be one that is looked upon fondly.  The Bronx side was without some of their starters and going up against the best team in the league.  Alas, the road warriors continue to be road warriors.