Written by Raul Sosa
Magnificent 2-0 win from New York City FC over New England Revolution at their historic home opener at Yankee Stadium. The former Barcelona striker David Villa had a tremendous performance by scoring the 1st historic goal at Yankee Stadium and by giving an assist to Patrick Mullins, who scored the 2nd goal of the night against his former club New England Revolution.
The streets near the Bronx and around the stadium were fully packed before the game despite the freezing weather. An outrageous atmosphere was seen at Yankee Stadium powered by 43, 507 fans that assisted and witnessed this historic home opener for NYCFC in the city of New York. Few empty seats were left in this extraordinary debut for the club who defeated their brand new rivalry team: New England Revolution from Boston.
At the 19th minute of the game, David Villa scored his first official goal in MLS history with an impressive combination with Ned Grabavoy near the New England’s penalty box. Villa stepped the area with his classic play, cutting inside from the outside of the left wing and making his way onto the goalie. He reminded everyone at the stadium his unique versatility and skills that used to dazzle the crowd when playing for Barcelona and Valencia in Europe. The score was 1-0 in favor for the locals at that was the end of the first half.
Being down in the score, New England Revolution risked by changing their tactic to attacking mode. They needed to find a way to penetrate New York’s defense and score the equalizer that would bring them back in the game. This risk backfired New England, as their captain Jose Goncalves was sent off in the 66th minute after a takedown of Khiry Shelton, who was the last man standing before scoring due to New York’s kickback.
The red card for New England cost them all chances of attacking. They totally abandoned their attack on New York’s area and started concentrating on defending their pride. With the advantage of having one more player, New York became the owner of the ball and obtained their 2nd and last goal of the match at the 84th minute. David Villa created another gorgeous play from the left wing and assisted Patrick Mullins with a killer pass in order to score with an empty goal.
It was a dream start as locals for the twentieth expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS) in front of their brand new fans who seem to be really committed by showing an extraordinary attendance at Yankee Stadium. The soccer spirit revived in the city and New York City FC is ready to assault Colorado Rapids on their next MLS fixture on April 11th.
The streets near the Bronx and around the stadium were fully packed before the game despite the freezing weather. An outrageous atmosphere was seen at Yankee Stadium powered by 43, 507 fans that assisted and witnessed this historic home opener for NYCFC in the city of New York. Few empty seats were left in this extraordinary debut for the club who defeated their brand new rivalry team: New England Revolution from Boston.
At the 19th minute of the game, David Villa scored his first official goal in MLS history with an impressive combination with Ned Grabavoy near the New England’s penalty box. Villa stepped the area with his classic play, cutting inside from the outside of the left wing and making his way onto the goalie. He reminded everyone at the stadium his unique versatility and skills that used to dazzle the crowd when playing for Barcelona and Valencia in Europe. The score was 1-0 in favor for the locals at that was the end of the first half.
Being down in the score, New England Revolution risked by changing their tactic to attacking mode. They needed to find a way to penetrate New York’s defense and score the equalizer that would bring them back in the game. This risk backfired New England, as their captain Jose Goncalves was sent off in the 66th minute after a takedown of Khiry Shelton, who was the last man standing before scoring due to New York’s kickback.
The red card for New England cost them all chances of attacking. They totally abandoned their attack on New York’s area and started concentrating on defending their pride. With the advantage of having one more player, New York became the owner of the ball and obtained their 2nd and last goal of the match at the 84th minute. David Villa created another gorgeous play from the left wing and assisted Patrick Mullins with a killer pass in order to score with an empty goal.
It was a dream start as locals for the twentieth expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS) in front of their brand new fans who seem to be really committed by showing an extraordinary attendance at Yankee Stadium. The soccer spirit revived in the city and New York City FC is ready to assault Colorado Rapids on their next MLS fixture on April 11th.