3 things we learned from NYCFC’s pitiful 2-1 loss to Minnesota United FC | OneFootball

Pitiful.  Another disastrous game.  Disappointing.  These are all things that can describe New York City FC’s recent match against Minnesota United FC.  While it was not as shockingly awful as the loss against Atlanta United FC, it was still a poor match offensively.

If someone was watching the game but not entirely paying attention, then they would probably think that NYCFC was the better team.  Yes, they had 22 shots.  Yes, they had the majority of the possession.  Yes, Matt Freese had seven saves.  However, the Pigeons, for about 77 minutes, were disastrous in the final third since their shots were poorly taken and they did not have one on target during that time.

Instead, it was not until the 77th minute that they began to become remotely threatening with the first shot on target, and even found the back of the net in the 89th minute thanks to Keaton Parks.  But that was too little, too late, for NYCFC lost 2-1 to Minnesota.  The Loons were strong defensively, but the attack for those first 77 minutes was like eating bitter greens.  Fans had to watch, even if it was not an appetizing menu.

There is plenty to talk about though about the match.  Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s loss.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s loss

3. The NYCFC offense was why they lost

When all is said and done, NYCFC lost because they could not get the shots on goal and threaten Minnesota’s Dayne St. Clair.  Many of their shots went into the stands, wide of goal, or over the bar.  The Loons’ defense also did well to limit their shots by blocking them and closing in on players with the ball.  As such, the mix of the pitiful offensive effort for the majority of the game and the visitors’ defense led to NYCFC losing out on three points at home.

Of course, once they found that first shot on target, they began to become more threatening.  They only had four in the end, but one of those four was the goal from Parks.

Some might argue that the Pigeons still had a great offensive game since they had 22 shots, but anyone can shoot a ball into the stands.  They should have been better at attacking the goal and more threatening in their own home.  Then, when NYCFC finally found a groove, it was too late.  The attack was disappointing to watch, especially after they scored three times last week in the loss.

2. VAR time limits are needed

Alonso Martínez missed the penalty kick that he should have converted.  Possibly, if he would have scored before the second half, then NYCFC would have been more threatening in the second half.  But this is not the item to discuss.  Rather, the VAR review is one to talk about.

The referee reviewed the foul in the box for over a minute, forcing NYCFC and Minnesota to wait for a decision.  For anything to be overturned, it must be clear and obvious, and the fact it took so long to review made that the case.  Luckily, the penalty kick call was upheld, and Martínez had the opportunity to bring his team within one goal.

Instead, the forward kicked the ball onto the top bar of the goal, and NYCFC remained scoreless.  This could have happened regardless of a VAR review, so the argument is not to say the time it took impacted the Costa Rican.  But the fact remains that there are times when it takes too long to review a call.  Sunday’s match is another example of the issues with the referees and the fact they do not understand the idea of clear and obvious.

1. NYCFC’s schedule does not get easier

Unquestionably, it was vital for NYCFC to win against the Loons, for the schedule does not get easier.  The Pigeons will welcome the Philadelphia Union next week, and they are seen as a team that can beat them at home.  After all, they did last season when they embarrassed the Boys in Blue 5-1.

Then, NYCFC heads out on the road again.  They will face the New England Revolution, who they beat at home, and Toronto FC, who has been struggling the last few seasons.  On paper, these are matches they can be successful in, and the Bronx side won the fixtures in 2024.

The problem at hand is the lack of consistency and the difficulties away from home.  Hence, losing against Minnesota could possibly be the start of an April of struggles for NYCFC.  Pascal Jansen appears to be an upgrade in the head coaching department, but the roster depth is still thin or too young.  The talent is there, and hopefully, things should improve as the season progresses.  But right now, things look bleak.