Tag: NYCFC

All NYCFC

The Day After (Real Salt Lake)

FAITH NO MORE: RSL Dispenses NYC 2-0

Confidence. It’s the “patriotism” of the sports world…the last refuge of a scoundrel.

When your team’s coach and paid commentators start saying that your team needs confidence. When one of the Tri-State Ford’s Keys to the Match is “BELIEVE!” That’s when you know you are in trouble.

And, boy, are we in trouble.

Even without the 10-billion-ton burden that is Ned Grabavoy, we looked clueless and incompetent last night. Sure, Khiry Shelton is still a kid, a 21-year-old rookie. Maybe he and the 20-year-old Manchester City’s youth academy product Shay Facey might lack confidence, and Facey certainly showed it last night with some costly blunders, but the rest of these clowns are professional athletes. They get paid to do this, for a living. They are MLS veterans. Heck, some of them are even World Cup-winning record holders.

I could, like the match commentators, argue that David Villa isn’t getting the service he used to back when he was a world-class superstar. And I could even cling to their other claim, that MLS is a tough league with permissive refs and brutal center backs. But Villa has played against tougher, stronger, and faster opposition. And no matter what league you are playing in, if the ref isn’t giving you the calls, then you’ve got to stop going to ground and find a way to beat your opponent.

Mix Diskerud did strike the crossbar. That was our one shot on target. And our one match highlight. Which is why you won’t hear a lot of people talk about how useless he was for the other 89 minutes and 37 seconds. I hate to single him out, but – like Villa – the gap between his promise and his performance is hard to ignore. Diskerud is like a spinnaker that’s flapping loose.

In the field, Mehdi Ballouchy was our best player last night. The guy, long a posterchild for mediocrity, is even our top scorer this season. Mullins showed the occasional spark. And Jacobson wasn’t an embarrassment, though he did miss one of our few opportunities (Villa, who put one decent effort over the bar, pathetically squandered another opportunity).

Define “Defense”

Our defense really stood out. Brovsky was out-blundered by Facey, but he certainly can’t hold his head up high. Our two center backs, Hernandez and Wingert, were as effective as orange traffic cones on the side of the freeway.

The only exception to NYCFC’s failure has been and continues to be Josh Saunders. He made some huge saves. So many saves that it’s harsh to question his performance on the second goal. Without him there surely would have been more.

I look at the stats from last night’s game and the two teams appear even. Possession, passing, tackles, crosses, corners – all nearly identical. The only significant differences were in shots on target and clearances – both of which were in Real Salt Lake’s favor. Yet even MLS.com, notorious for proclaiming the league’s parity, declared that it was a “comprehensive victory” for RSL.

Jason Kreis…

I have to blame Jason Kreis. Yes, he did make some changes in the 66th minute, bringing on Velasquez for Shelton and McNamara for Mullins, and we did start to show some signs of life. And then he got bold in the 81st, bringing on Brandt – his first appearance as a professional – for Wingert. But stats aside, there looked to be one competent team on that field, and it wasn’t ours.

I blame Kreis because he picked these players, most of whom are proven entities. Sure, some of them are failing to perform, but a lot of them look completely incapable of performing – at least not at the professional level.

We’ve earned 7 points in 12 games…rock bottom of the table. 

Even without Grabavoy, we continue to chase the ball around the midfield. We lose our shape as soon as the whistle blows, leaving opponents with all sorts of space – and limiting our passing options when we do have on the ball. And our back line is exceedingly subpar. These are all issues Kreis can and should address, though it doesn’t seem like he’s even aware of them.

On the attack, Villa always has his back to the goal. Or he’s dropping back into the midfield to get the ball. That’s not his strength. That’s not his skillset. That’s not his game. That’s what Diskerud should be doing. He should be the playmaker sending through balls to Villa. Or, better yet, put Poku out there – a proven passer. And Nemec, the one strike partner who has demonstrated an ability to receive and hold the ball with his back to the goal.

I blame Kreis because he should see these challenges. And he should be working to address them. I’ve seen little improvement in our play over the past 12 games. Each week it’s the same problems. And each week he attributes them to a lack of confidence, and bad luck.

Maybe the player’s don’t believe in themselves, as Kreis claims. Or maybe they don’t believe in him. Either way, I hope I don’t have to wait 12 more matches to find the answer.

On To The Next One

We play Houston Dynamo at home. Whatever.

NYCFC vs Real Salt Lake: Preview

On Saturday, May 23rd NYC will travel to Salt Lake to take on Jason Kreis’s former club at 10 p.m. ET.

Form

RSL haven’t exactly set the world on fire with their play this season. While managing some impressive away wins at San Jose and more recently the Chicago Fire, Salt Lake have only won 1 of 4 games in their home stadium and have suffered heavy defeats such as 4-0 and 4-1 to the hands of New England and the Montreal Impact.

NYCFC have been worse, though. After an opening night win over the Revolution, NYC have seemingly forgotten what 3 points feels like. Unlike RSL, however, NYC always seem to compete for every game, never losing by more than 2 goals. We love barely losing. Yet, after a massive morale-boosting 2 goal comeback draw with 10 men last weekend, all of NYC will be hoping that game can kickstart the season.

Lineups

RSL: (4-4-2) Rimando (GK), Beltran (RB), Olave (CB), Vasquez (CB). Phillips (LB), Beckerman (CM), Gil (CM), Stertzer (LM), Mulholland (RM), Saborio (ST), Sandoval (ST)

-RSL have a host of niggling injuries to Okwuonu, Plata, Morales, and Jaime. While not necessarily guaranteed starters, RSL would benefit from having a few of these guys fresh and on the bench.

NYC (4-4-2): Saunders (GK), Brovsky (LB), Wingert (CB), Hernandez (CB), Facey (RB), Jacobson (CM), Mix (CM), Shelton (RM), Alvarez (LM), Mullins (ST), Villa (ST)

-With RJ Allen suspended, Brovsky will move to left back and Facey will slot in at right back, as Williams is out with NYCFC’s favorite injury, the famous left adductor strain.

-Both Calle and Grabavoy are questionable but one could make the bench.

Final Thoughts

This could be an important game for both sides. We both need the win.

Furthering the plot line is that Grabavoy, Watson-Siriboe, Velasquez, Wingert, Saunders, and as we all know, head coach Jason Kreis all used to play at RSL. It will be very much a homecoming for Kreis & Co. Let’s hope we can spoil the party.

May the force be with you. Or at least a win. Maybe even a tie. Good luck, basically.

The Day After (Chicago)

Last night NYCFC earned a well fought point against Chicago Fire at home. Here’s our thoughts.

David Villa? More like David Suck!

That’s not entirely accurate. He’s a fantastic footballer who holds the top goal scoring record for the Spanish national team and has won almost every trophy that a footballer can earn. He came to MLS to either: A) Get one last hefty paycheck living in our lovely city or B) Give himself one last challenge.

Presumably it’s a Mix of the two but if option B was at all on his agenda he’s doing quite poorly.

Granted, he’s only been here for a bit and he’s had some injury trouble, but it’s kind of unsettling how hard he’s finding life in MLS.

Sure, he doesn’t have Xavi or Iniesta giving him passes. Which in all honesty is exactly the reason he’s struggling. But you’d hope a player of such high caliber and talent would be able to do something on his own. Yet he often looks at a loss for ideas.

He keeps losing the ball when he runs with it at MLS defenders. Let me repeat, MLS defenders. 

And while his off the ball play is rather commendable, he’s slow and indecisive on the ball (Mix Diskerud too, maybe that’s what they learn in training?).

Villa will get the ball in a dangerous area and often slow the tempo, allowing for the opposition to get more men behind the ball, and then he’ll shoot from the same position he was in earlier yet now it gets blocked.

But forget all that. Villa is a goddamn world-class footballer. He shouldn’t only be finishing every single chance he gets in the box, he should be creating chances, he should be a game changer. A Designated Player, if you will.

So far he hasn’t really done that. He’s been good in patches, takes some nice shots like the one that allowed Mehdi Ballouchy another goal for this season, but he really isn’t doing anything special. We’d like that to change. Or another DP. Both work.

The People

As our results have been poor to say the least, I’ve been wondering how long will this team continue to get support.

Losing to the Red Bulls, playing like crap, being a bad team, all these factors add up to what should be a substantial loss of an excited fan base.

Of course the diehards would stay and the casual supporter would go, but it’s those in the middle, the slightly interested, who have presumably been jumping ship after this suck-fest we call our first season.

Thus, at Yankee Stadium this summer night I was surprised to see 23 thousand fans in attendance. There were many seats vacant, which makes me question that number, but a lot of people are still showing up. What if we were good? Imagine the possibilities!

Yet as the game progressed my positivity from the fan support was quickly overshadowed by what’s becoming an NYCFC trademark: poor play, red card, giving up a goal.

Once the second goal went in, the crowd (myself included) started getting angry.

“You guys are idiots” one fan screamed down to the team. “How could you make that pass?”, “What’s wrong with you guys?” “Does anyone want my season tickets? Please? I’m begging you!” were only some of the less than supportive shouts during the first half. It looked as if we were in for another long night.

Then, Mehdi Ballouchy did what he does best: Inexplicably score yet another goal. Fans clapped and cheered, but it wasn’t enough to bring us back from the disapproval we held.

Second Half

NYCFC love the second half.

We always play better. And for some reasons teams end up playing worse. Really odd.

Last night was no different. We played far better in the second half, and ended up with a goal to show for it.

Went Shelton sent that miss-hit shot wobbling into the far corner, Yankee Stadium erupted. As the game came to a close, most fans were on their feet, applauding the efforts of our team.

True, we were a man down for an hour on the match, but it’s quite incredible we were all clapping for a tied game at home. Maybe one day we can clap for a really good performance and even, dare I say, a win.

Shelton

It’s a shame, but Khiry Shelton looks the be the Chicharito of the MLS. We’ve started Shelton for many successive games after his breakout into the team, yet despite his best efforts, he hasn’t really had the offensive impact we’d hope he would.

Normally I’d be livid if he were benched, but last night I felt he sort of deserved it. And the truth is his pace and raw force are better utilized later into the match when the opposition are tired.

It’s so simple! He kept having such a positive impact on the game off the bench earlier in the season, naturally we assumed he’d be just as effective given 90 minutes.

Yet, we were wrong. Shelton is at his best two-thirds into a match when the opposite defenders are starting to get weary and he can run at them full steam. He may not want to admit it, but at this point in his career, he’s best only playing 30 minutes a game. But what a 30 minutes he gives us.

On To The Next One

Shelton’s late goal can only propel us towards a brighter future. It will give the team renewed confidence and a belief that maybe they aren’t the worst thing to happen to New York since some European douchebags brought pigeons here on a boat.

But let’s not get our panties in a bunch. Sure Kreis and Co. will be lauding this miraculous result, but we’re still making the same stupid mistakes and not playing up to our potential.

We can hope that this comeback will inspire us to get a result against a Real Salt Lake that were just humiliated 4-1 by last placed Montreal Impact, but only time will tell.

On to the next one.

NYCFC vs Chicago Fire: Preview

On Friday, May 15th NYCFC will host the Chicago Fire at 7 p.m. ET.

Form

Chicago’s form is an enigma. They love mini-streaks. 3 losses, 3 wins, and now 2 losses. Hopefully this’ll be their third loss in a row, just for the sake of consistency.

Chicago have a quality-ish team. Harry Shipp, David Accam, and Shaun Maloney all have the individual firepower to take over a game, but often struggle to do so. Accam wreaked havoc down NYC’s right side against Brovsky last time they played, so expect NYC to be prepared for that.

Or they won’t. Whatever. NYC need to get their shit together, but I don’t expect anything from them at this point.

It’s kinda fun now though…When will NYC get a win? How long will we wait? This is exciting! In a depressing sort of way.

Lineups

Chicago (4-4-1-1): Johnson (GK), Jones (LB), Larentowicz (CB), Adailton (CB), Gehrig (RB), Accam (LM), Polster (CM), Ritter (CM), Shipp (RM), Maloney (CAM), Guly (ST)

-Accam returns from a game suspension and will be looking to get his team back to winning ways

NYC: (4-4-2): Saunders (GK), RJ Allen (LB), Wingert (CB), Hernandez (CB), Williams (RB), Jacobson (CM), Mix (CM), Grabavoy (LM), Shelton (RM), Mullins (ST), Villa (ST)

-Calle and Nemec are STILL fighting injuries. Nemec is looking near 100 percent and should make the bench.

-RJ Allen could keep his place after an assist in a lively performance again Red Bulls, but could be dropped for Brovsky/Calle.

-It’s likely Mix will get the start over Ballouchy, but expect him to be fighting to stay on the pitch after last weekend’s early sub.

Final Thoughts

Deep Dish sucks!

Actually, no it doesn’t, it’s just not legally pizza. It’s something else, a separate denomination of cheese-tomatosauce-bread dishes.

Point is, much like last weekend, all we’ve got for bragging rights is that New York is better than Chicago. And they’ve got worse pizza.

We are home. While that hasn’t mattered much this season, you’d hope we want this win more than Chicago. Or who knows.

Let’s go team!

The Day After (Red Bulls)

I’ve been contemplating a theory for some time that seems more and more likely with each passing game.

Sure, it makes sense that City Football Group would spend literally hundreds of millions of dollars for a quality MLS team which would play in New York City. That’s possible.

But the more likely story is that this is merely a billionaire’s social experiment. I can see the conversation now: “Let’s pretend to actually build a soccer team, acquire some people who can reasonably pass for professional players, and see how long the masses keep watching before they realize this is simply a very expensive practical joke!”

Damn billionaires.

Passing

Forget that Red Bulls were down to 10 men for almost AN HOUR of that match, and forget that as soon as our two poster boy players were taken off the field we scored a goal, we can’t fucking pass.

For those of you who don’t know, which in this case is NYCFC coaches and players, passing the ball is important in soccer. It’s how you get the ball from one guy with a shirt to the other guy with a shirt. But remember kids, he’s gotta have the same color shirt as you!

Seriously, I usually try to stand up for our boys in blue after mistakes but I am at a loss for words with some of the passing that occurred. I just can’t believe that these guys get paid to do some of the crap that went down last night. Horrible communication between players and a ridiculous amount of misplaced passes. It hurt me physically and emotionally to watch that game.

Damn Ned Grabavoy.

(on to the next one)

Where do we go now? What is the rest of this season look like for us? Will they give us a discount on our season tickets? Will be buy a desperately needed 3rd DP? Would anyone even come at this point? Is Frank Lampard hoping he tears his ACL so he doesn’t have to partake?

I’m not entirely sure what the future holds. But I’m just a guy writing a blog, I can only watch so many shitshows before I lose my mind.

on to the next one.

NYCFC vs Red Bulls: Preview

On Sunday, May 10th NYCFC will hop across the hudson river to play the Red Bulls at 7 p.m ET.

Form

Simply put, the Red Bulls are playing quality football and NYC aren’t.

Barring a recent defeat to New England, the Red Bulls were undefeated until that point.

It’s funny that NYC’s only win of the season came against the only team that has beaten the Red Bulls.

Point is, Red Bulls have a better squad, are playing better, and are a much better team. But this is a derby match. Anything can happen. If NYC go to Jersey looking for blood, the nature of this tie might make that possible.

NYC will need to go out there hungry and smartly if they want a win that could potentially kick-start their poor season.

Lineups

New Jersey(4-2-3-1) : Robles (GK), Duvall (RB), Miazga (CB), Perrinelle (CB), Lawrence (LB), Martins (CM), McCarty (CM), Grella (LM), Kljestan (CAM), Sam (RM), Wright-Phillips (ST)

-Center back Zubar could make his long awaited return from injury, which comes at a good time with Matt Miazga heading off to the U-20 World Cup with the US team.

-Winger Sal Zizzo is out with a fractured tibia, which is a shame as he was starting to put together a good run of form

-Roy Miller is also battling injury, but should make the bench

NYC (4-5-1): Saunders (GK), Williams (RB), Hernandez (CB), Wingert (CB), Brovsky (LB), Jacobson (CM), Ballouchy (CM), Mix (CM), Grabavoy (LM), Shelton (RM), Villa (ST)

-Nemec is still recovering from a left ankle strain but could make the bench.

-Hernandez looks to be ready for the start, but has been dealing with injury issues.

-Javier Calle is unlikely to make the bench as he’s still dealing with a left adductor strain.

Final Thoughts

Everyone’s excited for this one.

The MLS get to hype up a rivalry. NYC get to talk about how we actually play in NYC. The Red Bulls get to talk about how they actually play soccer.

We’re betting on a tie. While Red Bulls will be fancied for all the obvious reasons, in a game of this heat and passion, it’s likely to be a 1-1 game. But let’s hope NYC can get a win, however unlikely.

Godspeed, gents. Godspeed.

The Day After (Seattle)

Last night NYCFC lost to the Seattle Sounders 3-1, extending our winless run to seven consecutive games.

Strong Start

Very uncharacteristically of NYC this season, we came out very strong. The first 17 minutes were some pretty quality football. It’s possible that we had more shots on goal in those first 20 minutes than we’ve had in many full games.

The team showed a real resilience and desire to win which was a joy to watch. The stadium was buzzing, maybe it was our night.

But then, like most of our hopes and dreams, NYC was crushed by a against-the-run-of-play sublime finish from Mr. Obafemi Martins.

Obafemi Martins & Dempsey

At times I wonder if Martins should be playing in a better league than the MLS. Whatever the case, he’s here, and he’s awesome.

His pace, his willingness to run powerfully at defenders, and his impressive finishing ability make Obafemi one of the best, if not the best, strikers in our league. It’s of no surprise to me that he was the cause of our seemingly inevitable downfall last night.

While Obafemi was a duracell battery, Dempsey’s play last night was unsettlingly lethargic. We’ve seen this on countless occasions with the USMNT. Dempsey has such quality within him, but he only really seems to turn it on when a player picks him out, rather than making his own chances. It’s helpful that he’s paired with Martins, otherwise he’d be much less effective. True, he managed a goal and an assist last night, but aside from those moments of brilliance he was quite anonymous.

David Villa

Perhaps one of the most beautiful moments at Yankee stadium this season was the substitution of our 33-year-old DP, David Villa.

As he walked out from the bench and awaited a stoppage in play, Yankee stadium erupted. “Villa! Villa! Villa” the crowd echoed in unison. To hear almost every person in the stadium screaming his name was an experience to behold.

It’s clear that the fans love him. After a night of misery, the return of David Villa from injury is a very welcome return indeed.

The Night Of Misery

As we’re said before, a slump in form is okay. But this season is quickly becoming a shitshow. We’re a few more losses from going from a team in bad form to just a very bad team.

It’s really incredible to see how many people are showing up for a team that keeps losing, but one has to wonder at one point will it be too much to bare.

Shelton has been given chance after chance to prove himself on the big stage, and although he is learning, his game is faltering and is adding very little to our attack.

Mix is finally turning but his distribution is often poor, either putting too much or too little on the pass, or just simply choosing the wrong pass in that situation.

We could go on with each player, but the real bitch is that there are simple tactical issues that just aren’t being fixed. What the fuck?

Take, for example, our positioning. Watch a goal kick taken by Josh Saunders. Our entire team is on one side of the field, bunched up like a mediocre high school varsity team. Why is it that we sometimes see three players next to each other and no one on the opposite wing? When attacking this is detrimental as hell. We make horrible use of our space, and that’s saying a lot considering we’re playing on a goddamn baseball field.

On To The Next One

Well, we play the Red Bulls.

Although the Red Bulls recently lost, it’s painfully obvious that they’re a far better soccer team than we are. Better organized, better coached, more quality overall.

But it is a derby match. Anything can happen. If we were to beat the Red Bulls in Jersey next weekend, a lot of our shitty play might be forgotten.

Death to the Red Bulls.

On to the next one.

NYCFC vs Seattle Sounders: Preview

On Sunday, May 3rd NYCFC host Seattle Sounders in Yankee Stadium at 7pm ET.

The real question is: do we have to?

Form

Sounders are in great form. Recently winning their hotly contested rivalry match against Portland 1-0, Seattle currently sit at third place in the Western Conference. NYCFC are in eighth in the Eastern.

Seattle have over twice as many points as NYC, and have played a game less.

Seattle have twice as many goals as NYC, with a game less.

Seattle have won 3 of their last 4 matches. NYC haven’t won in 6 games.

Simply put, Seattle are playing very well and NYC are playing very poorly.

Lineups

Seattle (4-2-2-2): Frei (GK), Remick (LB), Evans (CB), Scott (CB), Mears (RB), Alonso (CM), Pineda (CM), Neagle (LAM), Pappa (RAM), Dempsey (ST), Martins (ST)

-Seattle don’t have any players injured. Really? Really. None.

NYC (4-5-1): Saunders (GK), Brovsky (LB), Wingert (CB), Watson-Siriboe (CB), Facey (RB), Ballouchy (CM), Mix (CM), Poku (CM), Grababoy (LM), Shelton (RM), Mullins (ST)

-NYCFC have so many injuries and near injury returns that this game seems impossible to predict. Jacobson is out with a suspension, and although a Poku start seems like wishful thinking, there’s some magic in the air and we’re feelin’ it. But that could just be the fumes from the 2nd Avenue subway construction.

-Right back Williams could start at right back, but is battling an adductor strain.

-Villa completed a full session of training on Friday and could make the start, but will at least be on the bench. Unless he stubs his toe on his walk over. Or breaks his hip on an escalator. But yeah, 33-year-old DP’s are great. Good thing Lampard’s bringing in some fresh young legs soon.

-Nemec and Jason Hernandez are battling hamstring and calf strains, respectively. Expect one of them to make the bench.

Final Thoughts

Martins and Dempsey are arguably the league’s best striking duo, and NYCFC have been arguably the worst team in the league the past few games.

That, coupled with the host of aforementioned statistical facts, does not bode well for NYCFC. We’d like to say home advantage will play a part, but NYC haven’t done anything better at home than away for the past few games.

Tickets for this game have been in high demand in the weeks leading up to Sunday. One has to wonder if people are more excited about seeing NYCFC or Clint “Deuce” Dempsey.

Anyway, let’s hope for the best. Realistically we will lose.

Yay NYC!

NYCFC vs Chicago Fire: Preview

On Friday, April 24th at 8pm, NYCFC travel to Toyota Park to take on the Chicago Fire.

Form

Chicago haven’t played a game for over two weeks, and they will hope that doesn’t interfere with their good run of form.

After a dicey start to the season Chicago recorded back to back home wins against Philadelphia and Toronto. Granted, neither of those teams have necessarily lit up the MLS this season, but NYC lost and tied against Philly.

DP and former “free-kick-which-relegated-QPR” taker Shaun Maloney will look to bolster his strong partnership with Chicago native Harry Shipp as they take on a weak NYCFC side. If these two have a strong game together it could be a long night for NYC fans.

NYCFC are on a dismal run of form. Nothing is going right at the moment. Copious injuries, horrible finishing, losing at home, and just overall poor play. It is difficult to imagine NYCFC coming out of Chicago with anything more than 1 point, but then again, this is the MLS. Colorado Rapids did beat FC Dallas in Texas 4 nil. If that’s possible then I don’t rule anything out.

If NYC are to pull off an upset here, they’ll have to play to their potential, and then some.

Lineups

Chicago (4-2-3-1): Busch (GK), Jones (LB), Adailton (CB), Larentowicz (CB), Gehrig (RB), Stephens (CM), Polster (CM), Accam (LM), Maloney (CAM), Shipp (RM), Amarikwa (ST)

-Stephens is struggling with an injury and may be replaced by Chris Ritter

NYCFC (4-3-3): Saunders (GK), Calle (LB), Wingert (CB), Watson-Siriboe (CB), Brovsky (RB), Jacobson (CM), Ballouchy (CM), Grabavoy (CM), Velasquez (RM), Shelton (LM), Mullins (ST)

-David Villa did not train with the team on Wednesday, and looks a doubt. Mix Diskerud could make it back but also looks a doubt.

-Shay Facey is back in training and could get a spot on the bench. Defender Williams is an injury doubt.

-Jason Hernandez is still out, but likely will return for the Seattle game.

Final Thoughts

NYCFC will be looking for inspiration from an injury laden team on a poor run of form.

Kreis may opt to keep his formation, as it did result in the most shots NYC have taken this season. Although Mullins had a very solid game, he often drifted wide in order to pick up the ball and then would cross it into the centre, only for no one to be there. It might be worth hauling off a midfielder for Nemec so Mullins has someone to aim for.

While Chicago aren’t the strongest team in the league, their trio of Ghanian DP Accam, Scottish DP Maloney, and youth product Shipp will probably be too much for NYCFC to handle.

Tune in tomorrow on Univision or their live stream tomorrow at 8pm to find out.

The Day After (Portland)

Last night NYCFC lost 1-0 at home to the Portland Timbers.

So Easy a 7-Year-Old Could Do it

There were a few things I learned when I was first learning how to play footie: NEVER pass the ball across your own penalty box, don’t just kick the ball for the sake of it, and pass to your teammates.

Last night NYCFC broke every single one of those rules.

Jeb Brovsky shanked a clearance in his own box which served as a really nice cross to the other team. Often this season we’ll kick the ball up with no direction hoping something happens. But the worst by far was the level of our passing.

Our Passing/Communication Breakdown

I honestly don’t know what happened. Our passing and movement last night looked as if this were the first time these players were on a field together.

Players would put too much on the ball. Players would under hit their passes and give it right back to the other team. Players would hit passes behind the runs of others, resulting in yet another turnover.

The worst, though, was in attack.  We had opportunity after opportunity in the attacking third to make something happen and the only thing stopping us was our own ineptitude. Fans throughout the stadium were yelling at players like Ned Grabavoy and Khiry Shelton after they made horrible passing errors which would have led to clear goal-scoring opportunities.

Furthermore, there seems to be a genuine lack of communication between these lads. Players are making runs and not getting service, then receive the ball when they track back and are marked by the other team. Positionally players seem confused. For most of the game we didn’t seem to have either a right mid or a left mid. It really feels like once NYC steps onto the pitch we’re somehow down a man compared to other teams.

Anatomy of a Center Mid

Jacobson is a good defensive midfielder. He tackles well, he’s physical, and he reads the game nicely.

But Jacobson is hardly ever going to carry the ball with pace and beat a few guys. And that’s ok, providing our other players do so.

I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but far too many of our players don’t have the ability/desire/know-how to pick up the ball from the defenders, TURN around, beat a player or two, and pass it off.

Granted, top quality players like that are often the most coveted these days (David Silva, Luka Modric, Iniesta) but that doesn’t mean we can’t even try.

Once, Ned Grabavoy picked up the ball in the center of the pitch. He was receiving a pass from our left back. I looked at where he was, he had acres of space. He could have turned around, looked up, done his taxes, and still have time to get a pass off. Instead he took a touch, never picked his head up, and passed it right back to our defender. Effectively doing absolutely nothing. I swear watching this team will be the death of me.

Positives

Shots on goal!

I can’t believe it but we actually had 21 shots in total, our most this entire season.

We’re taking shots, which is great progress. Now we need to work on something I don’t think these boys have ever heard of before: shot selection.

How many bloody times did one of our players have a clear shot and not take it? And then pass it off to some guy in a far worse position for him to take a shot that was never going to score?

But hey, Patrick Mullins was very encouraging. With Villa out injured, Mullins looked a constant threat. He was hustling, taking as many shots as he could, and making really impressive runs towards goal. Take a bow son.

And Kwame Watson-Siriboe. Fucking rock in the back. Won nearly every header. Had some brilliant last ditch tackles. And even had one Varane-esque run into the opposite team’s half. We’d love to see him permanently partnered with Jason Hernandez when he’s back from injury, but Kreis might like mediocre white guys too much to drop Wingert.

On To The Next One

We play Chicago Fire in Chicago this Friday at 8pm.

I don’t even know what to hope for in this game. Keep shooting I guess?

Forget doing a scouting report on how Chicago are, let’s see if we can do anything in training this week to help our team. Otherwise, this is going to be a very long season.

On to the next one?