New York City loses 2-1 to Austin FC

New York City FCThe Q2 Stadium trip on Saturday night did not go as planned. A weather delay and Texas heat didn’t help NYCFC, who played an away game on short rest after losing 2-1 to Austin FC in the first meeting between the two. the teams.

Andrés Perea gave New York the lead early on as he perfectly picked out Tayvon Gray’s cross in the box in the fifth minute. But Gray left the game just seven minutes later after picking up an injury.

Austin FC forward Gyasi Zardes tied the game late in the first half and later scored the winning goal on a counterattack. NYCFC’s offense became strong but ultimately lacked the creativity seen in the last two games, and the defense struggled against one of the most attacking teams in MLS.

Quick start

As in the previous two games, New York City opened the scoring in the first 15 minutes. The goal started with Hannes Wolf who kept the ball in play before passing it to Gray who first timed it into the box to Perea. The Colombian did well to collect the ball and place his shot into the top of the net for his second goal of the season.

THE MOST CHRISTIAN OF THE END 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/JDg8SW2yRn

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) July 7, 2024

It was Gray’s fifth assist of the season, eclipsing the single assist he recorded last season in 28 appearances, and his two assists in 2022.

But NYCFC’s positive start was short-lived, with Gray coming off the pitch minutes after creating the opener due to injury. Mitja Ilenič replaced the Jamaican in a defense that already had center back Strahinja Tanasijević as a starter for the injured Birk Risa.

He press 24/7 of New York City

NYCFC took the fight to the final whistle in their loss to Austin FC: It’s important not to give up, but now they have to find a way to win.

Protective adjustments take a toll

That defense received another blow when left-back Kevin O’Toole, who complained of muscle discomfort, sat out at half-time and was replaced by Justin Haak, a right-footed defensive midfielder making his first appearance last in May 25 vs. New England Revolution. With that, New York’s backcourt was without three of their four starters for half the game.

It wasn’t all bad news. Ilenič, who replaced Gray at right-back, came close to scoring his first goal for the club but hit the crossbar. But the Slovenian then made the mistake of leaving Jader Obrian open, giving him plenty of space to pass the ball to Zardes, who headed home the equalizer in first-half time.

Immediately again in the forgive @gyasinho! 💪 pic.twitter.com/9ECTPLxNdP

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) July 7, 2024

Strahinja Tanasijević struggled in his fifth start. He has not attempted any tackles and won only one duel. Tanasijević had three rebounds, an interception and a block, but was caught out of position for the game-winner. NYCFC sorely missed Risa, who has been steady and solid all season as Thiago Martins’ centre-back partner.

Owen Wolff slides in @gyasinho for the first goal! 👏 pic.twitter.com/3newAErgfC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) July 7, 2024

Talles Magno’s transfer rumors link him to Brazil

The 22-year-old forward is being linked with potential moves to two clubs in Brazil’s Serie A, although NYCFC are reportedly demanding a hefty transfer fee to part with their little-used designated player.

The road stretch continues

July’s brutal run will continue for New York City, who will look to right their wrongs against the Chicago Fire next Saturday. Chicago has been at the bottom of the Eastern Conference all season, but has won three of its last five games.

NYCFC’s game at Soldier Field won’t be easy yet. They will need to overhaul their fully healthy backline if they hope to pick up points against a team they have historically dominated, winning 11 of 20 meetings.

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