New York City FC secured a point on Sunday after a 0-0 result with Nashville SC.
Here's Five Points from Sunday's game, presented by EtihadâĤ...
Take A Break
Itâs been a hectic August and September for NYCFC littered with games.
Thatâs seen a cascade of highs and lows, injuries and suspensions, and itâs been a real test of the group. The ability to press the pause button for two weeks, and get back on the training field with more time available is much needed.
It will allow both players and staff a second to inhale and refocus their gaze at the playoff spot that is open to them.
NYCFC know exactly what awaits them after the break, with a Hudson River Derby first on deck. The chance to be fresh and prepared for the game should give the team a solid foundation to enter what will be a big game in the context of the season.
Clean Sheet
In soccer, the foundation for success is often built on good defensive play.
Not only did NYCFC keep a clean sheet on Sunday, but they also limited Nashville SC to very few clear cut chances. The teamâs star playmaker, Hany Mukhtar, saw his influence on proceedings limited and that was largely down to the hard work and quality James Sands, Alex Callens, and Maxime Chanot.
Callens almost became the gameâs match winner with a fantastic header early in the first half, with the decision to flag it offside a harsh call. NYCFC have an important final stretch to the season as they look to secure their position in the playoffs, and heading into the break a clean sheet against one of the Eastern Conferenceâs better sides is not something that should be ignored.
Get Well Soon Anton
Regardless of allegiances, no player or fan wants to see someone leave the game injured.
Anton Tinnerholmâs unfortunate departure on Sunday was a shock to the system for NYCFC, and it was a disappointment to see him leave the game in such a way. Itâs unclear how much time he will be absent from the first team while he recovers, but regardless he will not do so alone, with the club rallying around our injured friend.
âIâm very sad for what happened to him,â Taty Castellanos said. âWe have to play for him and fight for him.â
Tayvon Steps Up
Tayvon Gray has been a patient young man this season, securing opportunities in the first team sparingly.
To his credit, the youngster has been a reliable defensive option when called upon, and now he will be given an extended opportunity to show what he can do. The defender looked calm and composed when entering the field, and can hopefully develop further with regular opportunities.
âTayvon did a good job today,â Ronny Deila said afterward. âWe can get more experience for him. Heâs looked good every chance heâs had.â
If Gray needs any motivation to succeed he should just look at the trajectory of teammate James Sands. The Clubâs first-ever Homegrown signing has established himself as a key player this season, and taken the increased responsibility in his stride.
Nothing can replicate the experience of first team minutes in Major League Soccer, and this will be an opportunity for Gray to show Ronny Deila where he is in his development. On Sunday, Gray looked assured both defensively and offensively, and that will be important going forward, with NYCFC asking their fullbacks/wingbacks to contribute on both sides of the ball.
Chances Created
Although NYCFC didnât manage to score at the weekend, it wasnât for a want of trying.
NYCFC started the game red hot, and tested Joe Willisâ goal several times in just the first 10 minutes of the game.
Nashville SC are a defensively resolute side, and they offer very little space in their own defensive third. On Sunday, their strategy was built on an ability to transition quickly and isolate their attackers in one v one battles that would in turn create chances.
By the end of the game the expected goals told the story of the game, with NYCFC registering a total of 2.6.
In short, NYCFC did a good job in attack but maybe didnât get the fortune their play deserved. It was important that NYCFC showed up in their last game before the break, and there was enough in this performance to see the team is heading in the right direction.
