NYCFC Goals: Héber 40', Mitriță 83'
Colorado Rapids Goals: Anderson 6'
Quick Summary
New York City FC traveled to the Rocky Mountain state to face off against the Colorado Rapids. Regardless of rain delays and heightened altitude, City was able to secure the three points thanks to goals from Héber and Alexandru Mitriță.
Although the Boys in Blue were down 1-0 early in the night, they were able to turn it around with goals at the end of each half.
Match Recap
New York City FC jetted off to the Mile High City to take on the Colorado Rapids as they looked to go back to their winning ways after sustaining unfortunate back-to-back MLS defeats to Portland and Red Bulls.
Coming into the match, Dome Torrent made two changes to the starting XI, with Alex Ring and Maxime Chanot suspended for yellow card accumulation.
Torrent looked to Ebenezer Ofori and James Sands, who returned to full physicality, to step up for City.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is not new territory for Sands, it’s the stadium that the homegrown made his pro debut in City Blue back in 2017, completing a pleasing full circle for the Rye native.
After a long rain delay, the match commenced 30 minutes late and the Rapids scored early in the match. Jonathan Lewis, who joined Rapids from NYCFC earlier in the season, was able to cross the ball and find Sebastian Anderson for the first goal of the night in the 6th minute.
With the big three up front - Maxi Moralez, Taty Castellanos, and Héber, the Boys in Blue nearly found the back of the net in the 26th minute. Castellanos, on a pass from Moralez, shot the ball through the Rapids defense only to see his effort beaten away by Tim Howard.
In the 40th minute, Moralez created the equalizer. Poised outside of the box, the Argentine playmaker saw Héber wide open in front of goal and promptly served the ball over the defense for the Brazilian to chest and volley past Howard.
It was his fifth goal in his last four MLS appearance for the deadly Brazilian.
With another 45 left to play, the Boys in Blue looked to capitalize and find the lead with the Rapids down a player.
Similar to the first half, City came out dominant and eager to score again to complete the turnaround.
It wouldn’t be simple and they would have to be patient.
They nearly found the go-ahead goal in the 50th minute when Ronald Matarrita found Moralez, who took the shot on goal but his attempt was saved by Howard’s first half replacement, Clint Irwin.
Alexandru Mitriță came in for Sebastian Ibeagha in the 63rd minute as Torrent put all his power in the attack. It would be a decisive change.
After numerous chances, both close-run and speculative, the winning goal finally arrived in the 83rd minute.
Mitri gained possession of the ball on the edge of the area and he made no mistake, arrowing his shot into the corner of the net, giving Irwin no chance.
The Boys in Blue maintained the lead until the final whistle blew, securing an important three points on the road.
Man of the Match
Anton Tinnerholm
Back-to-back Man of the Match honors for the Swedish wing-back as he shined through once again to help his team to a much-needed three points. Tinnerholm played dominantly up the right flank throughout the 90+ minutes, creating chances and jamming up the Rapids efforts to score.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
New York City FC returns to the BX on Friday, July 26 to take on Sporting Kansas City and celebrate Manhattan Borough Night.
