3 things we learned from NYCFC's disappointing loss to LAFC | OneFootball

When the Major League Soccer schedule came out, New York City FC fans saw a start to the season that was not ideal.  They started on the road against Inter Miami CF and shared the points in the 2-2 draw.  They then had to travel to California to take on Los Angeles FC.  This was expected to be a challenging game, and some wondered whether the Pigeons could leave with any points.

Nevertheless, the Boys in Blue had to try and put their road woes to the side.  Based on some of the results last year, they know they can compete with some of the top sides, and despite struggling, they did so in Miami.  Could they beat the California side?

Sadly, the Boys in Blue suffered another late goal.  This time, it led to their defeat.  NYCFC lost 1-0 to LAFC after Ryan Hollingshead scored the game-winner in the 86th minute.

As always, there is plenty to discuss from the match.  Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s loss to LAFC.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s loss

1. Strahinja Tanasijević can be a good defender for NYCFC

After a poor game against Inter Miami, it was somewhat surprising to see Strahinja Tanasijević in the Starting XI.  Justin Haak was better in the backline when he stepped in for the center-back.

However, Tanasijević started the game for NYCFC.  And, he actually had a good performance.  He was disciplined with his play for the most part and consistently contributed in the backline to keep LAFC out of goal.  Birk Risa, who struggled, had some bad giveaways and poor clearances.  The Serbian subsequently cleaned up his teammate’s mistakes and was arguably one of the better defenders in the fixture.

Sadly, Tanasijević had to come out injured in the 75th minute.  While NYCFC struggled, he probably had his best performance in a NYCFC shirt.  Hopefully, under Pascal Jansen, the defender can have more good games than bad.

2. Maybe Tayvon Gray should not have played

Right-back Tayvon Gray missed NYCFC’s season opener due to an injury he picked up in the preseason.  It was a slight knock, and he was deemed available to play against LAFC.

Unfortunately, about five minutes into the game, Tayvon Gray went down due to a likely muscle injury.  As a result, he had to be substituted out.  It makes one wonder whether the defender should have played.  Mitja Ilenič played well against Miami, so one would have assumed he would have played again.

Jansen instead went with Gray, who he probably thought was a better defensive option in a match that the team needed.  But, should he have played, let alone started?  Obviously, he had to be cleared medically.  Maybe it would have been smart for him not to start.  At the same time, the injury could have happened regardless of whether he suffered the previous injury.

1. NYCFC needs to close out games

Last week, NYCFC gave up a late goal that led to the 2-2 draw.  This week, NYCFC gave up the late goal that saw LAFC win.  Therefore, there are early concerns that stem back from 2024 about the Pigeons closing games.

Saturday’s fixture was not their best performance, but the Pigeons and California side were both playing well defensively.  That was until LAFC scored due to a messy defensive setup by NYCFC.

The Bronx team must learn to close out games.  They need to play at the same high level from the opening whistle to the very last second.  Two late goals given up early on in the season that took points away from them is extremely concerning.  Again, NYCFC did not play their best in the two matches, and they were also on the road.  But great teams get results even when they struggle.