NYCFC's two goals in the first half secures the Leagues Cup win over Club León | OneFootball

On Friday evening, New York City FC continued the Leagues Cup with a game against Club León.  The Pigeons have already lost in Phase One, losing against Club Puebla earlier in the week.  It was a frustrating loss, but Pascal Jansen’s roster decisions ultimately aided in the result.  So, there were questions about what the Boys in Blue would do in the second match.

This time around, NYCFC won 2-0.  The win will not do any good, since the loss pretty much eliminates them from the next round.  But the good news is that the team went into the game fighting and came away with three points.

Thankfully, NYCFC had a stronger Starting XI, with Alonso Martínez and Maxi Moralez in the lineup.  They played better throughout the fixture and scored goals after being held scoreless in the first game.  They had more shots in the Puebla match, but of course, goals matter the most.  They also had more shots on target in Friday's fixture

NYCFC wins 2-0 against Club León

NYCFC fans did not have to wait long to see the Pigeons find the back of the net.  The team had a corner kick, and Moralez sent the ball into the box.  It touched Justin Haak's head and bounced to Martínez, who was in the right place and the right time, and headed the ball into the goal in the seventh minute.  Obviously, the Costa Rican proved that he should have started against Puebla.

In the 32nd minute, Agustín Ojeda scored the second goal.  Nicolás Fernández Mercau had the ball in the middle of the pitch in the final third and picked out Martínez, who was making a run in the box.  With one swipe, Ojeda received the ball and tapped in NYCFC’s second goal.

While the Pigeons did not score another, they continued to be threatening throughout the game.  But Club León had more of the possession, keeping them on their toes.  NYCFC’s defense had to be strong, and this time, they were.  Matt Freese had four saves on the night, and the backline was not messy.

The only problematic moment that occurred was when Strahinja Tanasijević was called for a foul in the box.  This gave León a chance to get on the board via a penalty kick.  James Rodríguez stepped up to take the kick and sent the ball to Freese’s left.  But the goalkeeper immediately reacted, making the save to keep his side ahead in the 58th minute.

Once again, Fernández Mercau had a great game, playing 80 minutes this time around.  He has been a productive player in his first few games and very influential in the attack.  NYCFC is very lucky to have him, and his pass to Martínez on the second goal was incredible.

As it has been repeated, only four teams from each league will move on after Phase One.  This was a great win, but NYCFC will not move on due to the Club Puebla loss.  At the very least, the Pigeons got a win in the Leagues Cup.