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New York City 2, Philadelphia 1 — as it happened!

The Bronx Blues survive a late onslaught and finish the regular season with a win

By Christian A Smith Updated
MLS: New York City FC at Philadelphia Union James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Five minutes of stoppage time

89’: Sebastien Ibeagha comes on for Tinnerholm.

86’: NYCFC concede a penalty on a handball in the box.

Fabian steps up to take it and... sinks it. 2-1, City still lead.

80’: James Sands enters the game for Matarrita.

75’: Game has gotten kinda routine. City have lost a bite, but haven’t conceded goal. The defense has shine while the offense has gotten a bit lethargic.

63’: NYCFC take two promising chances in succession. Unfortunately, not third goal to be found.

The second half has commenced. Can NYCFC add onto their lead and solidify a great end to the regular season?

HT: NYCFC leads the Union 2-0 after goals from Ronald Matarrita and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi.

City is the better team by a head-and-shoulders margin. There’s been some tense moments on defense, but nothing to really worry about. I think the main story is the injury to Tajouri-Shradi late in the first half, as well as the pre-game injury to Héber.

28’: Sean Johnson makes a huge save. The follow-up is dealt with brilliantly by Alex Callens.

22’: GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!! Tajouri-Shradi grabs City another on a sharp deflection!

What did I tell you? NYCFC continued to haunt Philly’s box. And with a flick of the ankle and a deflection from a Philly defender, Tajouri-Shradi grabs a goal to make it 2-0 in favor of the Bronx Blues!

20’: NYCFC by far the better team. And it’s not close. As of right now, City have moved the ball and applied pressure at will. Each and every attack seems to penetrate Philly’s defense and it feels like the Bronx blues have more goals out there for ‘em.

7’: GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!! NYCFC convert on a gorgeous sequence!

City moved the ball quick and precise. Ben Sweat had the ball down the left flank before centering it. Taty Castellanos receives the ball then touches it into space for the overlapping Ronald Matarrita. Mata takes one gather touch then sends it in with his weaker right foot. Beautiful football, and NYCFC leads 1-0.

We’re off in Chester! Can City finish the season with a bang on the road?

Rosters are out! Bit of a mixed up lineup today. Héber, Maxi Moralez, and most of the normal back four make the starts. But Ebenezer Ofori and Ben Sweat both enter the Starting XI.

Rosters

New York City Starting XI:

  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International Duty: None
  • Injury Report: OUT: Keaton Parks (M) - hamstring injury

New England Starting XI:

  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International duty: None
  • Injury Report: OUT: Sergio Santos (F) - right hamstring injury, Alejandro Bedoya (M) - right quad strain
  • Referees: Drew Fischer (referee); Jeff Hosking, Gjovalin Bori (assistant referees); Fotis Bazakos (4th official); Geoff Gamble (VAR)

How To Watch

Match date & time: October 6, 2019, 4:00 pm ET

Venue: Talon Energy Stadium, Chester, PA

Online streaming: Fox Sports Go

TV: YES

Local radio: WNYE 91.5 FM — English, ESPN Deportes AM1050 — Spanish

All-time series: The game might be meaningless on New York City FC’s end. But for the Philadelphia Union, a good performance this afternoon could be the difference between a second place finish and a third place finish.

As of right now, it’s unknown how exactly NYCFC will line up in a game that is ultimately meaningless for them. Do you rotate? Do you play your big guns to play spoiler and maintain match fitness?

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

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