New York City FC came from behind to beat the Chicago Fire 3-1 at Yankee Stadium, a game characterized by emotional composure, maturity, and accuracy. Despite going down on the scorecards, the New York team reacted rationally and took maximum advantage of the situation: two reds to the opposition, a good second half, and clinical finishing.
Not only does the victory reinforce the good run of the team following the Hudson River Derby encounter with the Red Bulls but it also indicates the development of the work of Pascal Jansen with a team yet to find its place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Early pressure, though, and the goal was scored at the other end
City took control during the first part of the game. With Alonso Martínez and Maxi Moralez in good positions, the side won many chances to score within the first few minutes. Already by the fifth minute, Chris Brady had been called upon by Martínez. Next, he was threatening with an incisive run past the defense of Chicago. Despite having possession and getting into the final third, the home team could not capitalize on obvious chances.
The reckoning in the 19th minute saw the Fire take the lead courtesy of a low outside-the-box effort from Philp Zinckernagel. NYCFC responded almost immediately, but a clear close-range rebound was blasted over the bar by Martínez.
A red card changes the course of the match
Until the 30th minute the game had been evenly matched. But in the 31st minute, Brian Gutiérrez earned a straight red for elbowing Aidan O'Neill in the face, and things took a different turn. Down a man, Chicago was pushed deeper into their defensive third as City had the space to play.
Hannes Wolf had the best opportunity to equalize before the break, but he missed the mark when it counted the most.
Smart alternatives and instant impact
Two substitutes were introduced by Pascal Jansen at the start of the second half whose impact was immediate. Mitja Ilenič was brought in at the fullback position, and Mounsef Bakrar was introduced upfront. The impact was almost immediate. A storming run along the left by Wolf and Justin Haak was finished by Bakrar with a composed finish at close range to bring the scores level.
City maintained the pressure. As Chicago struggled to keep their nose in front, the home team opted to take the shot from distance. Birk Risa fired from a distance, making Brady make a tough save. The comeback was starting to feel imminent.
Wolf steps forward and gives City the lead
The script-changing goal arrived at the 64th minute. Julián Fernández delivered a right-side cross, and Wolf took it in possession calmly and drilled a low finish to the bottom right corner. It was a neat finish, and Brady had no chance. The game's momentum turn-around seemed scripted. Down to ten men, even, the Fire would not fold. Hugo Cuypers almost equalized with a threatening cross, but failed to make a clean touch. The game took on a nervy tone, though, but City maintained its shape. 79th minute: Jansen made his second crucial replacement.
Agustín Ojeda replaced Fernández and, in less than five minutes, had earned the foul which sealed the score. Djé D'Avila, who had been yellow carded already, fouled him and subsequently received a second booking and red card. For the resulting penalty, Alonso Martínez rose to the task and placed the ball in the top left corner to score his eighth goal of the campaign.