Strong defensive performance leads NYCFC to a win in Cincinnati | OneFootball

On Saturday, New York City FC made their way to Ohio to face FC Cincinnati to play them for the second time this year.  The Pigeons won the opposite fixture and have had some success against some of the top Major League Soccer teams this season.  However, the team knew it would be like climbing Mount Everest to win at TQL Stadium.  They took on the challenge, though, and won 1-0 on the road.

Pascal Jansen put out a strong Starting XI.  In fact, the lineup was the same as the team that beat Nashville SC, except for the return of Thiago Martins.  It was a little shocking that the center-back was already in the lineup after returning from injury.  However, the head coach likely thought about the Orange and Blue’s threatening attack and wanted the captain back next to Justin Haak.

The defense clearly did their job since the Boys in Blue finished the night with Matt Freese earning a clean sheet.  Many will argue that Cincinnati struggled in the final third.  But they had ten shots with five on target, while NYCFC had nine with four on target.  There were a few times the home team easily could have scored, so it was not like they were entirely lackluster in front of the goal.

Nevertheless, while the teams had chances, this was a defensive game.  In the end, it came down to which side would break down the backline and find the back of the net.  Thankfully, it was the one from Queens.

NYCFC’s defense shines in win

Having Martins back also made a difference for NYCFC’s defense.  As much as he is criticized since he is not one of the top center-backs in Major League Soccer and is a Designated Player, he is still a great defender.  The backline was calmer and more concise to start the game and all the way through.  There were a few shaky moments toward the end, but everyone worked together to keep the Ohio side out of the goal.

Plus, oddly like how Maxi Moralez impacts the midfield, the other defenders played much better compared to some of the recent games.  The communication allowed the Pigeons to make clearances and close down on Cincinnati players with ease.  A great example was in the first half when Justin Haal and Kevin O’Toole double-teamed near the end line to stop an offensive opportunity.

There was also a moment at the beginning of the second half when the home side came out strong.  But Martins had a brilliant clearance to keep the Orange and Blue from getting a shot off.  The threat was not over, and Aiden O’Neill, who was cool, calm, and collected all evening, blocked a shot from Kévin Denkey to stop the offensive opportunity.

Of course, Freese was a vital part of the defensive match.  The goalkeeper had five saves on the night, including a vital one in the 90th minute.  Cincinnati had a free kick, and Evander gently and accurately sent the ball into the box, seeking a teammate.  Gerardo Valenzuela headed the ball toward the top of the goal.  But Freese, who had quick reactions throughout the game, quickly tipped the ball over the bar to keep his team in the lead.

As mentioned, the game came down to which team would break down the backline.  NYCFC was that team, and they scored the lone goal in the 55th minute.  O’Neill had a pitch-perfect pass to Moralez, and the Argentine found Alonso Martínez making a run toward the goal.  He swept the ball to the striker, who powered through and ahead of Cincinnati defenders.  With nobody to stop him, he struck powerfully to put the ball into the back of the net, securing the win for the Pigeons.

This was a great result on the road.  NYCFC has now won three of their last five road games in MLS, and arguably Saturday’s match was one of their best.  Yes, they were still not perfect offensively, but this was a defensive battle.  They did what they needed to do to win, and now NYCFC gets to head home with all three points.