Yet more drama was in store for everyone who flocked to the Bronx for NYCFC’s 2-1 win over New England Revolution.
Following up the gritty ten-man victory over Chicago and the thrilling derby win over Red Bulls, there was another breathless denouncement here.
Here’s five things we learned from our third-successive win.
We Don’t Quit
It’s often said that the mark of a good team is one that manages to find a way to win even when they’re not playing at their best.
By this token, NYCFC’s latest come-from-behind victory could offer a signpost to some good times ahead as goals from David Villa and Jonathan Lewis cancelled out Teal Bunbury’s opener to earn all three points.
Following frustrating long stretches of play against a stoic New England backline which wouldn’t give an inch, the patience and perseverance on show from the home team was admirable as they continued trying to beat down the door.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen this approach achieve results this season and certainly not the first time at Yankee Stadium that NYCFC have come back from the dead in 2017.
In fact, the Boys in Blue have now come back from losing positions to earn 19 points so far this year – a pretty great habit to be in with MLS Playoffs looming.
READ: Match Recap – NYCFC 2-1 New England
Home Run
This latest win also extended NYCFC’s unbeaten run at Yankee Stadium to nine games.
Not since Orlando’s victory in April have Vieira’s men been defeated on home turf with seven wins and two ties being chalked up over the past five months.
Following Toronto’s 3-1 win over Chicago on Saturday night, New York have now opened up five points between themselves and third place – a nice position to be in with nine games remaining.
There are big tests lying in wait before we can start talking about securing an automatic spot in the Conference semifinals but our home form is certainly helping us edge closer to that berth for the second consecutive year.
J Lew Delivers Again
What a week it’s been for our Rookie.
Lewis may have been slightly disappointed not to have made the XI after scoring his first pro goal in spectacular style in Los Angeles last weekend but he delivered the goods once again in his cameo off the bench a week later.
Jonathan made the finish look easy but it was anything but as the teenager had to keep his head over the ball and strike through what was an unstoppable hit into the top corner.
His knee slide was a lot better than the one he attempted in California too, capping another unforgettable night for the US Youth international.
READ: Vieira – “Our Strength Is Our Depth”
New England’s Goal
Sean Johnson took to social media to express his relief at the eventual scoreline immediately after the game, tweeting: “Sometimes things happen out of your control… glad I had a group of guys in front of me that had my back tonight!! Can truly say #WeAreOne.”
The goalkeeper had made a rare error which allowed New England to score the night’s first goal but his Head Coach was eager to show his support for Sean in his post-match press conference.
Pointing to Johnson’s superhuman performance against LA last weekend, Vieira reminded reporters just how great his no.1 has been in 2017 and, while we’re on it, it’s also worth remembering that Sean pulled off an excellent save in the first half to deny Kelyn Rowe from range.
No matter how good you are, errors leading to goals are an inevitable part of a goalkeeper’s life but NYCFC have a stopper with the mental fortitude to brush this one off and go after the next one, undeterred.
Derby Day Looms
It’s always good to go into a rivalry game on the back of a win…
NYCFC can start preparations for next weekend’s showdown at Red Bull Arena with a spring in their collective steps after this dramatic win.
Looking to equal the club record for consecutive wins in the process, the Boys in Blue can seal a clean sweep of Hudson River Derby victories on Friday night.
All the incentive in the world for Vieira’s men to carry on their excellent recent form.
Onwards.
