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New York City 1, Minnesota 2 - as it happened

NYCFC flames out in the Twin Cities

By Christian A Smith Updated
MLS: New York City FC at Minnesota United FC Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

FT: NYCFC fall to Minnesota 2-0.

An extremely poor first half was the decider in this one. Ibeagha’s poor marking and Sweat’s head-scratching back pass made it easy Minnesota, despite their woes, to gain two early goals that put City out early.

Another poor performance against a far inferior team. This should not fill anyone with confidence as we approach the playoffs.

90’+1: GOAL. Rodney Wallace scores on a scrappy play. Unfortunately, it’s too late.

76’: NYCFC go up a man after Minnesota’s Warner is sent off with a second booking.

72’: I’m not gonna be a constant jerk. I appreciate the effort NYCFC have shown in this second half. But it feels like too little, too late.

60’: Taty finds Berget on a cross, who meets the ball with his head but spikes it over the bar. Where was this intensity in the first half?

54’: City is pushing forward and drawing fouls. Still, nothing really dangerous being set up.

Second half is underway. Hoping for a comeback, but that’s just wishful thinking.

HT: NYCFC trails the Loon 2-0 at the half.

It was a poor half for City. All encouraging attacks have been marred by poor passing in the final third, and two huge mistakes by the defense have put the Blues in a 2-0 hole going into the second half.

Losing feels like a forgone conclusion at this point.

36’: I have no words for that play. Ben Sweat doesn’t often make mistakes like that, but whoa. That was poor.

Sweat’s poor back pass is picked off by Angelo Rodriguez who practically walks it in for the goal. 2-0 Minnesota.

29’: Minnesota is in control and could be up 2-0 in theory. NYCFC are gona have to start putting together some quality offense before we get upset again.

25’: City are too easily being squeezed wide at the back. Better build up is urgently needed.

20’: Minnesota scores off a cross from the right flank. It was poor marking from Seabstien Ibeagha and Ben Sweat was too lax with the initial pressure. Poor start for City.

Ten minutes have elapsed. So far. so no team has a definitive advantage, but the game is wide open. Should Castellanos and ITS develop a good chemistry with Berget up top, the goals could come en mass. The battle starts in the midfield, though.

We’re off in the Twin Cities! NYCFC is wearing their famous Etihad shirt while the Loons wear the grays.

Rosters are out! For this matchup, Domé Torrent has made quite a few changes. David Villa is rested after apparently sustaining an injury this week. To account for that, Jo Inge Berget is inserted into the No. 9 position, whereas Taty Castellanos returns to the XI to start on the wing opposite Ismael Tajouri-Shradi.

In the midfield, Ebenezer Ofori also returns to the XI after a month’s absence from the starting lineup alongside Alex Ring and the maligned Eloi Amagat. How Eloi continues to start is beyond me, especially given the recent performances from James Sands. But, oh well.

Rosters

New York City Starting XI:

  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: M - Tommy McNamara, M - Yangel Herrera
  • International Duty: None
  • Injury Report: OUT: M - Yangel Herrera (ankle injury), D - Cedric Hountondji (hamstring injury)

Minnesota Starting XI:

  • Suspended: M - Fernando Bob, Maximiliano
  • Suspended after next caution: M - Miguel Ibarra
  • International duty: None
  • Injury Report: OUT: M - Sam Cronin (cervicogenic dysfunction), M - Kevin Molino (torn left ACL), M - Ethan Finlay (torn ACL); QUESTIONABLE: D - Jerome Thiesson (right ankle injury), F - Romario Ibarra (hamstring injury)

Referees: Juan Carlos Rivero (referee); Andrew Bigelow, Peter Balciunas (assistant referees); Silviu Petrescu (4th official); Jon Freemon (VAR)

How To Watch

Match date & time: September 29, 2018, 8 pm.

Venue: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN

Online streaming: Fox Sports GO

TV: YES

Local radio: WNYE 91.5 FM — English; WADO 1280 AM — Spanish.

All-time series: New York City FC and Minnesota United have only met once since the latter entered the league last season — the fixture being a 3-1 win for City. Minnesota has struggled in their sophomore MLS season, but City cannot sleep on their North Coast opponents considering their less-than-stellar road form this season.

To their benefit, NYCFC enters this game relatively healthy with Jesus Medina being removed off of the injury report. Alex Callens also returns after serving a 1-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation. With a near full-strength squad at their disposal, the Blues are the undeniable favorite to win tonight. But this is MLS, and anything can happen.

This post will update with highlights and information as we receive it.

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