New York City FC Goals: Castellanos 31', 55'
New England Revolution Goals:
Quick Read
New York City FC were back in the Bronx for a meeting with New England Revolution. The Boys in Blue took a first half lead thanks to a delightful combination between Maxi Moralez and Taty Castellanos that allowed the latter to head home. The striker would secure his 10th MLS goal of the season in the second half after Moralez found him with a cross at the back post. Those goals helped NYCFC to a big three points against the Revs.
Match Recap
New York City FC were aiming to get back to winning ways on Saturday night as they welcomed New England Revolution to Yankee Stadium.
Head Coach Ronny Deila made three changes to the team that faced Philadelphia Union last time out, introducing Gudi Thórarinsson, Keaton Parks, and Maxi Moralez in place of Malte Amundsen, Nicolás Acevedo, and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi.
The encounter started at a frenetic pace, and a well-worked freekick from Maxi Moralez just minutes in gave NYCFC an early chance, but Jesús Medina couldn’t keep his effort down.
In response, a long ball from New England was flicked on by Teal Bunbury into the path of Adam Buksa. The Polish striker rushed his effort, however, and fired it over the goal.
Buksa would enjoy arguably the best Rev chances in the first half, and in the 24th minute his headed effort was deflected wide by Jesús Medina.
At the other end, NYCFC remained diligent in their attempts to find the breakthrough, and it arrived in the 31stminute.
The goal owed a lot to a smart combination between Moralez and Taty Castellanos, with the veteran playmaker lifting a pass over the Revs defensive line and onto the head of his striker.
Initially deemed offside, the goal was subsequently given after consultation with VAR.
In an effort back into the game the Revs continued to push, and a turnover on the stroke of half-time allowed Ema Boateng to run at the NYCFC backline, but his effort flew wide.
NYCFC almost doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half after a well-timed run behind the defence by Santiago Rodríguez.
The Uruguayan then cut back inside, but his effort was cannoned off the shoulder of Matt Turner and behind for a corner.
They wouldn’t have to wait long for a second, however, and it was via the same combination that opened the scoring.
This time Moralez drifted to the right-hand side, and his cross to the back post found an unmarked Castellanos to slam home his 10th MLS goal of the season.
NYCFC were now firing on all cylinders, and on the hour mark Castellanos rose highest to power a header at goal, but he failed to keep his effort down.
In the 68th minute, Deila turned to his bench and introduced Homegrown forward Andres Jasson in place of Rodríguez.
The attacking intent didn’t diminish as the half went on, and Thórarinsson found himself in the final third with the ball and chose to fire a shot just past Turner’s post.
Further changes came in the 78th minute as Acevedo and Alfredo Morales entered the play in place of Parks and Medina.
The Revs continued to prove a threat and after being played in behind Gustavo Bou forced a good save out of Johnson.
Deila would make his final pair of subs in the 87th minute - withdrawing Castellanos and Thórarinsson in place of Talles Magno and Amundsen.
That would prove the final act on the evening, and confirmed a 2-0 victory for NYCFC thanks to a fantastic brace by Castellanos.
Heineken Man of the Match
How We Lined Up
What’s Next
Next up for New York City FC is a road game against Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on Friday, September 3. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30PM ET (YES Network/NYCFC.com/Radio).
