3 things we learned from the 1-0 NYCFC win against the Philadelphia Union | OneFootball

Entering Saturday’s game, New York City FC had hit a bit of a rough patch.  They lost their last two games, including a disastrous loss at Atlanta United FC a few weeks ago.  In addition, they were winless in the last three.

As such, the pressure was on to beat a talented Philadelphia Union team, who NYCFC welcomed to Citi Field.  The Pennsylvania side was also in the middle of a rough patch, for they had one win in their last four games.  This provided a chance for the Pigeons, but it was still clear the Union was a stronger team in 2025 since they had four wins already.

Thankfully, a mistake from Philadelphia’s goalkeeper, Andrew Rick, enabled Alonso Martínez to score the Queens team’s first and only goal of the night.  Subsequently, NYCFC won 1-0.  A strong defensive performance and another great night from Matt Freese helped ensure the Pigeons left with three points before heading out on the road next week.

This was a much-needed win.  Here are three things we learned from the NYCFC win against the Philadelphia Union.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s 1-0 win

3. Alonso Martínez was incredible for NYCFC

As mentioned, Martínez scored the only goal for NYCFC.  Rick came off his line, fell to the ground, and the forward was able to go around him.  With ease, he directed the ball into the goal, and secured the three points for his team.

But Martínez was fantastic throughout the night.  He never backed down when pressuring to regain the ball when the Union had possession.  The Costa Rican was also all over the pitch, entering the winger space as needed.  He had a few good crosses and passes into the box, in which his teammates failed to make contact with the ball or commit to taking a shot or a solid one.

In the eighth minute, he passed the ball right to Mitja Ilenič, who shot it way over the goal.  The right-back assisted the NYCFC striker on his goal later on.  Then, Martínez had a great run up the right side of the pitch and sent the ball into the ball across the goal.  Agustín Ojeda was right there and should have slotted the ball into the goal, but he missed and fell.  The perfect opportunity was wasted.

Martínez redeemed himself after struggling last week and missing a penalty kick against Minnesota United FC.  Fans are lucky that they can watch him play for the club.

2. Justin Haak is the other starting center-back

Justin Haak is a versatile player who can play as a defensive midfielder and center-back.  However, Saturday’s match against Philadelphia should convince Pascal Jansen that he should be the other starting center-back next to Thiago Martins.  The NYCFC Homegrown was on point with everything that he did.  He even covered for Martins when the DP defender gave the ball up and he had to block the shot.

Meanwhile, he is consistent in the backline, unlike Martins and Birk Risa.  The two center-backs are mistake-prone.  While Martins is much better compared to his first season with the club and does play well for the most part, his individual errors corrode who he is as a defender.

Haak does not make mistakes often and can play well regardless of who he partners with in the backline.  When needed, he can play in the midfield.  But Jansen should keep the player in the backline as a center-back.  His vital block, 12 clearances, and 15 defensive actions against Philadelphia help support this.

1. Keaton Parks has 200 appearances for NYCFC

On Saturday, Keaton Parks played his 200th game for NYCFC.  The midfielder has been with the team since 2019 when he was initially on loan and then 2020, when he signed his contract with the club.  At first, he rarely played until his chance in the U.S. Open Cup during his first year.  Since then, he became an everyday player and has been a valuable player to the team.

So, celebrating his 200th appearance with a win makes Saturday even more special.  Congratulations go out to the long-time NYCFC midfielder.