New York City 2, LAFC 2 - as it happened

FT: NYCFC and LAFC fight to a 2-2 draw in a game that feels like two points lost for City.

Twice, City jumped ahead with a nice goal against the run of play. And twice, they allowed LAFC to equalize on a head-scratching mistake. Are there positives to take from this one? Sure. But there are plenty of negatives to go with them.

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84’: Jesus Medina comes on for Ronald Matarrita

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78’: Jonathan Lewis comes on for Taty Castellanos

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75’: Carlos Vela converts from the spot after Ben Sweat is whistled for a penalty.

2-2. NYCFC quite possibly ruined this game for themselves.

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62’: GOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!! Alex Ring converts the tap-in after Ben Sweat’s all-heart effort to work the ball into the middle of the box. 2-1 NYCFC

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49’: Early sub for NYCFC as Ben Sweat comes on for Ebenezer Ofori. Tactical changes incoming.

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Second half is underway. Is there three points on the cards for NYCFC?

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HT: A late flurry sees both NYCFC tied LAFC at 1-1.

Alexandru Mitrita buried a curler to give City the lead in the 39th minute. The advantage wouldn’t last long, however, as Carlos Vela would equalize for Los Angeles after a foolish turnover from Maxime Chanot.

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43’: Welp. That didn’t last long.

A costly NYCFC turnover on defense allows LAFC to spring Carlos Vela on the counter-attack. Per usual, the Mexican winger converts on the 1-v-1 opportunity.

1-1

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39’: GOOOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!! Alexandru Mitrita takes on virtually EVERYONE on the LAFC defense before cutting onto his right foot and curling it far post for NYCFC’s first home goal of the season!

1-0 NYCFC

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23’: The game’s momentum has shifted firmly into NYCFC’s favor. After needing to extinguish some early fires on defense, City have been the aggressor and the ones controlling the match. This is where the team plays best.

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18’: That was some amazing recovery defense right there!

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With ten minutes elapsed, this game has been topsy-turvy.

LAFC started strong with a couple of golden opportunities, but NYCFC did well to respond with a huge chance of their own. Mitrita could have definitely done better with his opportunity. Then again, Walker Zimmerman could’ve done more as well.

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We’re off in the Bronx! NYCFC take the field in City Blue, while LAFC wear the away whites.

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Rosters are out! In a confusing turn of events, Domé Torrent has elected to field Taty Castellanos at right wing. Ebenezer Ofori returns to the XI, forcing Maxi Moralez into the No. 9 spot.

Elsewhere, Ronald Matarrita gets his first start of 2019.

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Rosters

New York City Starting XI:

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• International Duty: None
• Injury Report: QUESTIONABLE: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (M) - ankle injury

LAFC Starting XI:

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• International duty: None
• Injury Report: OUT: Phillip Ejimadu (GK) - lower back injury; Alejandro Guido (M) - right quad strain; Steven Beitashour (D) - concussion; Rodolfo Zelaya (F) - right soleus; QUESTIONABLE: Lee Nguyen (M) - right hamstring strain

Referees: Armando Villarreal (referee); Jeremy Hanson, Cameron Blanchard (assistant referees); Drew Fischer (4th official); Juan Carlos Rivera (VAR)

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How To Watch

Match date & time: March 17, 2019, 3:00 pm.

Venue: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, NY

Online streaming: Fox Sports GO

TV: FS1

Local radio: WNYE 91.5 FM — English

All-time series: New York City FC embark upon their second consecutive home game of 2019 against the dangerous Los Angeles FC. In their first-ever meeting last season, the two teams fought to a 2-2 draw in the City of Angels thanks in part to a huge equalizer from Ismael Tajour-Shradi, who is listed as questionable for this afternoon’s rematch.

Earlier this week, I got to speak to Dan Kennedy — former goalkeeper for Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy, and current host of the ‘Bleave Podcast’. During this interview (which I unfortunately do not have do to Google Voice not being as good as advertised), Kennedy said that Carlos Vela and Adama Diomande aren’t the only two players you should keep an eye out for — it’d be best you checked up on Mark-Anthony Kaye every once in a while. The Canadian midfielder is subtly genius when LAFC are putting pressure on the backline and he isn’t incapable of scoring goals when push comes to shove.

It isn’t fun to admit; but LAFC should be looked at as the favorites for this one. Thus far in 2019, the Black & Gold have have won twice in as many games and have established themselves as a high-intensity, high-press type of team much like we see with the New York Red Bulls. And with NYCFC currently without a pure striker and in the midst of an identity crisis, some serious stops will have to pulled in order to secure three points, home game or no home game.

But, weirder things have happened. So, let’s hope the Boys in Blue can prove the critics wrong and get their first win of 2019.

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