NYCFC’s defensive struggles continued Sunday afternoon, as missed opportunities and a sluggish start saw them lose 2-1 to Minnesota United.
The match was barely underway when NYCFC found itself chasing the game.
Minnesota struck with just two minutes on the clock, capitalizing on a turnover in midfield and breaking on the counter. Striker Tani Oluwaseyi beat City’s backline and calmly slotted it past Matt Freese, putting the visitors ahead 1-0 before most of the supporters’ section had settled in their seats.
It was the kind of defensive collapse NYCFC failed to recover from in recent matches, setting the tone for a frustrating afternoon in the Bronx.
Despite the early setback, the Pigeons gradually found some rhythm. The team’s first shot came in the 10th minute, and from there, they began to build pressure in the final third.
Keaton Parks got the offensive onslaught going, doing well to find Julian Fernandez in the box 19 minutes in, but the shot was heroically blocked by Minnesota’s defense.
The midfield also started to click, with Maxi Moralez attempting to unlock Minnesota’s strict defenders with multiple long balls over the top to Alonso Martinez and Hannes Wolf. With most of the possession and consistent high pressing on the wings, City looked on the verge of getting an equalizer.
However, just as momentum was swinging in their favor, a bad foul by Kevin O’Toole gifted the Loons a dangerous free kick in the 29th minute. Wil Trapp stepped up and re-directed a pass that deflected its way into the back of the net, doubling Minnesota’s lead.
Seeing how the game was quickly becoming out of reach, manager Pascal Jansen responded with aggressive early substitutions, pulling Fernandez and Birk Risa (who already picked up a yellow card) in the 40th minute in favor of striker Mounsef Bakrar and defender Strahinja Tanasijevic.
“When we made those first-half substitutions, we went with three at the back, and I think that just gave us a bit more stability in dealing with their front two, who are really dynamic and pose a threat behind,” Jansen said.
“Once we went to a three, we kept a couple of guys high and wide, and that allowed us to get them the ball early and get in 1v1 situations. Once we did that, we controlled the game quite well and created some good chances.”
The change in shape brought a brief spark, with Bakrar’s presence alongside Martinez giving NYCFC more physicality and an extra body in the attacking third.
Eventually, Martinez won a penalty just before halftime, but his effort from the spot rattled off the crossbar, capping off a frustrating first 45 minutes for the Boys in Blue.
The second half saw NYCFC look more comfortable in possession, with Bakrar continuing to use his tall frame to hold up the ball, helping bring his teammates into attack. Although substitutes Agustin Ojeda and Johnny Shore brought fresh energy, and a late goal scored by Parks in the 89th minute prompted a slight comeback, it was too late as NYCFC lost 2-1.
“The priority has to be playing a complete performance — a full 90 minutes,” O’Toole shared after the game. “It’s something we’ve emphasized coming into this game, and I think, again, we failed to do that today.”
NYCFC looked toothless in front of goal, racking up only four shots on target to Minnesota’s nine. The Boys in Blue also dominated possession, keeping a whopping 73% of the ball.
Though having the lion’s share of possession was in line with Jansen’s push to keep his squad more consistent, the lack of finishing in the final third was ultimately City’s demise.
With three losses in seven games played, the squad will head back to the drawing board to see where they can improve.
NYCFC will continue their Major League Soccer campaign at Citi Field against the Philadelphia Union on April 12.
