Slow notion
NYCFC bottles up United, cruises to win
New York City FC took control of the pace in the second half Sunday and, therefore, controlled the game.
In an entertaining match, NYCFC found a way to slow down speedy Atlanta United — and get rewarded for their persistence — on their way to a 3-1 win at Yankee Stadium.
“They had a hard time breaking us down the middle,” said NYCFC defender Ethan White on stalling Atlanta’s attack in the second half. “I think we were on them and [fouled] them at better times [in the match].”
Disrupting United was something head coach Patrick Vieira stressed leading up to the game, especially eliminating their attempts in the first 15 minutes.
Atlanta has scored four times within the first 15 minutes this season. NYCFC did not let that happen by matching Atlanta’s fiery early effort.
In the 17th minute, captain David Villa rewarded NYCFC for the contract extension he agreed to last week by pinging a shot off the far post and in for his sixth goal of the season.
“When [Villa] plays the way he did today, the confidence builds in the team,” said Vieira, whose team held the United to just five shots on target. “That’s why it’s important for him to be at this level every single game.”
While NYCFC played on Atlanta’s side of the field for much of the first half, United (11 points) made their lone shot on net in the first half count when midfielder Carlos Carmona rifled his attempt into the net in the 38th minute to tie the score at 1-1.
But from the start of the second half, NYCFC kicked things into a different gear by pressing Atlanta in the middle of the field with their centerbacks.
After a flurry of missed opportunities by NYCFC, including three attempts in a matter of seconds by winger Rodney Wallace being cleared, his feistiness paid off.
Wallace connected on White’s goalmouth cross in the 60th minute for his fourth goal of the season.
“It was great buildup,” said Wallace, who was involved in all three goals. “I tried to get a touch on it and luckily it fell to me and went into the back of the net.”
With Atlanta on their heels, NYCFC scored again. Wallace played distributor and slipped one between the legs of Atlanta defender Tyrone Mears to Maxi Moralez, who opened his body wide and bent one past United goalkeeper Alec Kann.
“His work ethic is fantastic … that’s why he’s in the starting eleven,” said Vieira of Wallace, who also assisted on Villa’s goal.
With the win, NYCFC (16 points) is tied for third place in the Eastern Conference with the Red Bulls and Columbus Crew.
NYCFC will look to take their momentum with them away from Yankee Stadium as they get set for a crucial stretch of four-straight road games beginning in Dallas on May 14.