New York City FC brought home a big 2-1 Hudson River Derby win on Saturday night.
Here’s Five Points, presented by Etihad Airways…
Tight at the Top
In the words of Sean Johnson, “The first spot in the East is ours for the taking…”
After Saturday night’s comeback win, NYCFC still sits in third spot in the Eastern Conference table. Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United are tied at 48 points above City, but that could change if NYCFC can win their games in hand (two on Philadelphia, one on Atlanta).
With eight games remaining in the regular season, the Boys in Blue will continue to fight for the number one seed in the East and give themselves the best chance in the postseason, with positioning all-important in the new MLS Playoff structure.
New York is Blue
The pattern of scoring was the same as it was at Red Bull Arena earlier in the summer, but this time NYCFC came out on top, despite falling behind to a 10th minute goal from Alex Muyl.
The post came to Red Bulls rescue on numerous occasions but Maxi Moralez deservedly leveled before the break and City never looked back from there.
When the goal came, it was one of the highest quality, with Anton Tinnerholm’s clever assist equally matched by Héber’s audacious finish.
Watch it over and over again.
Our House
Saturday night’s atmosphere was through the roof with 28,885 people packed in the house, the Boys in Blue were feeling the love.
The 12th man showed up and showed out once again, cheering on New York City’s Football Club throughout the night.
When the team fell behind, the whole of the stadium was there to carry the Boys in Blue over the finish line, even when City were reduced to ten men late on and saw through eight minutes of stoppage-time.
With this City behind you, big dreams can come true…
Keep the Streak
The team has been on quite a hot streak after their trip to Atlanta. Although it was a tough loss against the defending champions, it’s been plain sailing since with three wins from three.
Each win required something a little different, with NYCFC coming through Cincinnati with devastating efficiency, defeating Columbus with some New York grit and finally winning the derby with all of the above.
Nothing is decided yet, but NYC are hitting their stride at a good time in the season.
North of the Border
Next up, the Boys in Blue are headed north of the border to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps for the first time this season.
The last time these two teams met was August 4, 2018, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
There is unfinished business for City as they look to defeat Marc Dos Santos’ side for the first time since the 2016 season.
The Road Blues have a tough task at hand, but they never turn away from a challenge.
