NEW YORK –New York City FC took on the Chicago Fire for the second time of the 2016 season, and the match failed to produce the goals that highlighted the first match. However, Sunday’s clash did provide a bit of controversy.
The Fire scored on a 60th minute header from Jonathan Cambell but saw the goal waved away in what ended as a scoreless tie at Yankee Stadium. The tie comes just weeks after NYCFC took down the Fire, 4-3, in the two sides’ season opener.
After 60 minutes without much in the way of a breakthrough, it appeared that the Fire had finally asserted themselves with a go-ahead goal. Following a cross into the box, Gilberto’s headed pass across the six-yard box was headed in by Campbell, as the Fire celebrated and returned to their half of the field. Several moments later, referee Mark Geiger waved the goal off after conferring with his assistant, keeping the game scoreless.
NYCFC had the better of the first half, although both sides struggled to create much of anything in a match that lacked flow. Although NYCFC had the bulk of possession, the Fire backline repeatedly stepped up to make a series of interceptions and prevent any real damage.
David Villa got the closes to firing NYCFC into the lead with a pair of chances. The Spanish star’s first effort was parried off the post in the 29th minute by goalkeeper Matt Lampson, who then stopped Villa on the doorstep nine minutes later on an NYCFC corner kick.
The hosts continued to pepper Lampson in the game’s waning moments, but the Fire goalkeeper continued to push shots way to preserve the scoreless tie.
Following the draw, NYCFC looks to pick up the team’s first win since opening week next Saturday in a visit to the winless Columbus Crew. The Fire, unbeaten in four games, host the Montreal Impact that same day.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Tested twice in the game’s opening half, Matt Lampson came up big for the Fire by making a pair of big-time stops on David Villa to keep NYCFC off the board. In total, the Fire goalkeeper contributed seven saves against an NYCFC team that created a bulk of the chances.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Both sides struggled to muster much on target, but the Fire appeared to have had the crucial breakthrough in the 60th minute. However, Jonathan Campbell’s apparent winner was ruled back after deliberation, as the game continued towards its destiny of a scoreless draw.
MATCH TO FORGET
NYCFC’s attack will be particularly disappointed with their performance on Sunday. With several chances to fire on Lampson, the forward unit could never muster anything decisive in a game that was forgettable for all involved.
A lot of ugly games this weekend but LA and De Jong takes the cake.
Dear MLS,
Please stop putting teams like NYCFC & Chicago on TV. They stink, and the games look like a total joke at Yankee Stadium.
Signed,
EVERYONE
I have absolutely no problem saying Pirlo and Diskerud are the two worst players on that team. They’re completely useless.
I have absolutely no problem saying Yankee Stadium is the worst pitch to watch a soccer match on TV in MLS. Didn’t bother even tuning in for this match. Horrible visual product.
It’s awful. And it seems like over a year since I’ve heard anything to do with possible construction of a stadium. Does anyone know if they are still even bothering to look at sites? Would have to think the full process, in NYC, would take what? 5 years? Is that too optimistic or pessimistic?
Frank,
NYCFC season ticket holder here. They recently sent around a survey asking for opinions on a new stadium. With the exception of that we haven’t seen any progress on the issue, and its becoming a serious concern if you ask me. The real shame is that the attendance numbers are pretty good by MLS standards, you would just never know it because everyone in in this giant, awkward stadium. I’m not sure how much longer 20,000+ are going to come out to watch a game at 45 degree angles.
I remember reading MLS was reluctant to entertain the prospect of moving to their own SSS in Seattle because they’d have to turn away season ticket holders (i.e. the demand was now larger than what they could build on their own).
For all its faults, NYCFC has a really solid fan base according to the attendances I see regularly. While Seattle is a unique animal of its own, the logic of avoiding building a stadium because you’re comfortable with your current situation is a concerning mentality MLS has already exhibited. I wouldn’t be surprised if they apply the same logic to NYCFC’s stadium situation.
For the record: both Seattle and NYCFC have horrible pitches for entirely different reasons.