It was far from a textbook defensive display from either side, but New York City FC did just enough to outscore the Chicago Fire in their season opener.
Goals from Tommy McNamara, Tony Taylor, Khiry Shelton and Mix Diskerud led the way for NYCFC, who emerged from Toyota Park victorious, 4-3, on Sunday afternoon.
In what proved to be the first goal of many on the day, McNamara kickstarted the scoring in just the 10th minute with a long-range effort. Given space at the top of the box, the NYCFC midfielder curled a shot off the far post and into the back of the net to give his side the early lead.
Following a Razvan Cocis equalizer in the 19th minute, NYCFC restored the advantage through a scrappy Taylor effort in the 29th. A Khiry Shelton finish came seven minutes later, giving NYCFC a 3-1 advantage heading to the half.
Kennedy Igboananike brought it to one just minutes into the second half, but it proved to be short lived as NYCFC pushed the lead back to two on Diskerud’s finish. McNamara once again played a major part, besting his defender out wide before lofting a cross to the back post. Diskerud was there to volley home to all but seal the result for NYCFC.
A David Accam penalty kick made the final 20 minutes tense, but the visitors held on throughout the final moments to ensure a victory to start the season.
Following the win, NYCFC will return to Yankee Stadium for the club’s home opener against Toronto FC next Sunday, while the Fire face off with Orlando City on Friday night.
Here are the highlight’s of NYCFC’s win:
What the hell were the NYFC traveling supports fighting about in their section after their team scored their final goal?
Now now boys. Today showed us two things about each team.
Fire-that are not good and Nelson is using this last chance to prove he cannot build a team.
NY-they struggle on defense and until they find a balance with good-old players and decent role players, they will struggle to find any consistency this season.
Mix and MacNara — one goal and one assist each. Lucky NYCFC has all of those high priced foreign players!
Happy to see the Nelson Rodriquez project in Chicago is off to a great start. MLS would have been better off creating a role for his special talents, like “Field Marshal, General, Dr., President for Life, Head of Community Outreach”…and they could have spared Chicago the pain.
What on earth are you talking about? You haven’t a clue whats going on with Nelson. Please stop posing as an expert Brian. Your comments are unfounded and ill thought out. Never seen a General manager dictate the play on the field. Tge Fire played terribly today and there are still plenty of spots left open gor new players. Get a grip on reality.
El Chapo,
1 – Apparently you know what I’m talking about.
2 – I got news for you,…everyone commenting on this board is sharing their opinions,…that is the whole point of this board you twit!
3 – sorry to tell you,…but word around MLS town is the that Nelson is nothing than a corporate lackey.
4 – get a grip on reality? This is a soccer forum. I shared my opinion and your telling me to get a grip on reality. What kind of fool are you?