Start Fast
The Boys in Blue have earned a reputation for starting games at a quick pace at Yankee Stadium.
By not allowing their opponent time to settle into a rhythm it gives NYCFC the upper hand, and that was certainly true on Saturday. Talles Magno was denied by the offside flag early on, but in the 17th minute he would break the deadlock after a well-worked team move.
Keaton Park’s incisive pass was matched in quality by Braian Cufré’s low cross. All that was left was for Talles to apply a composed finish in the middle of the goal, and he did just that.
By catching D.C. early it forced them to come out and chase the game, which in turn created spaces for NYCFC to operate in – like the ones Santiago Rodríguez found himself in for his goal.
The 2-0 advantage at half-time gave Nick Cushing’s side an important platform to build from and was central to the team’s success.
Santi Strikes
Santiago Rodríguez made a welcome return to NYCFC earlier this month and showed just why he is so highly-regarded on Saturday night.
A goal and an assist helped elevate NYCFC above D.C. United, and it felt like Rodríguez had never left the Five Boroughs.
His industrious work off the ball is matched by a technical quality that makes him a central attacking piece for Nick Cushing’s side. Saturday felt familiar to fans of the Boys in Blue, and here’s to more nights like Saturday for Santi and the team.
Character
Speaking after Saturday’s victory Nick Cushing was keen to praise the intangibles his side displayed.
D.C. United improved considerably after the break, and their ability to be direct and use Christian Benteke as a focal point posed some interesting problems for NYCFC. In response, the Boys in Blue showed tremendous character to fend off their opponent and hold out for a win.
As Cushing himself said; "I was pleased not that we got the ball down and controlled it with our style, but that we showed a different side of ourselves in the ability to fight and go for second balls.
"I think they got maybe one or two chances, so I’m pleased overall, but we have to be better with the ball in the second half."
Home Comforts
Nick Cushing was the first to acknowledge his side had produced flashes of their potential during the first two games of the season.
Unfortunately, that only produced one point and it meant the back-to-back home games were a perfect opportunity to boost the team’s points tally in front of a raucous Yankee Stadium crowd.
The home fans delivered and so did the players, with two hard-fought victories. Cushing is keen to improve the team’s road form, but it’s easy to see why the team enjoys playing at home when you consider the combination of the atmosphere and positive results.
Here’s hoping the three-point show can go on the road starting soon.
Thiagoal
The Brazilian forward turned super sub on Saturday night to make more great memories against D.C. United.
Thiago seems to enjoy playing the Black and Red and netted his third goal against United on Saturday.
While his first goal was about his blistering speed and skill, his second was more about intelligent running. His third felt like a combination of all three, with a well-timed run behind the defensive line coming before a cute finish past the goalkeeper.
The substitute did exactly what his coach asked of him by being a difference maker, all while making more great memories against D.C. United.
