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New York City 3, Minnesota 3 - as it happened

Pigeons draw with the Loons in a wild game

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

FT: NYCFC draw Minnesota 3-3 in a long and bizarre game.

One could argue that had it not been for Tony Rocha starting this game, the Pigeons would be leaving the Twin Cities with three points. That’s not to excuse an awful own goal from Sean Johnson. Still, City deserved more from this.

84’: Both Taty and Ike Opara are to their feet after a scary head-to-head collision. Best wishes to both of those guys.

75’: Taty Castellanos is having the best game of his career right now

64’: GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Izzy bags his brace on a gorgeous free kick from an acute angle to tie the game up!

60’: Taty’s second goal is called back for a handball. I personally don’t like the call as it isn’t “clear and obvious” as they say.

54’: City looks decent to start. But they need a goal.

OK, the second half has begun. Tony Rocha has been replaced for Alexandru Mitrita.

HT: NYCFC trails Minnesota 3-2 following a huge blunder from Sean Johnson in goal and an abysmal performance from Tony Rocha

It’s gonna take an extraordinary effort (and an actual defender) for the Pigeons to mount a comeback in this one.

33’: Sean Johnson scores on himself in hilarious fashion. If that doesn’t describe NYCFC’s season, I don’t know what does.

3-2 Minnesota.

20’: Welp. That didn’t last long. Minnesota ties the game at 2-2 off a counter-attack where Tony Rocha got completely exposed.

18’: GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!! Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

The Libyan converts on his own rebound to give City the 2-1 lead. What a tasty sequence of events!

16’: GOOOOOOOOOAAALLLL!!! Taty Castellanos!

The forward scores a nifty far-post goal following a brilliant ball in from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi. We’re tied up at 1-1.

13’: Well, it was a long-time coming. More poor buildup from City leads to a Minnesota counter-attack that is punctuated by Ozzie Alonso.

1-0 Loons.

9’: Good chance from Tinnerholm. The Swedish right back dangled his way into the box, but let’s off a relatively non-threatening shot.

First five minutes have been beyond sloppy. There’s no cohesion or communication in the midfield or defense. Tony Rocha has almost gifted Minnesota an early goal. And Taty looks confused as ever on the counter.

We’re off at Allianz Field! I’m gonna try my best to be optimistic, ladies and gentlemen.

Rosters are out. I have no clue what Domé is trying to accomplish with this lineup. Héber and Mitrita are both on the bench, Tony Rocha is starting over Ibeagha, and Castellanos is still playing.

#DoméOut

Rosters

New York City Starting XI:

  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International Duty: None
  • Injury Report: Alexander Callens (D) - hamstring

Montreal Starting XI:

  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International duty: None
  • Injury Report: OUT: Chase Gasper (D) - hamstring injury, Miguel Ibarra (M) - hamstring injury; QUESTIONABLE: Kevin Molino (M) - left knee injury, Darwin Quintero (F) - groin injury, Rasmus Schuller - leg injury

Referees: Alan Kelly (referee);Michael Kampmeinert, Felisha Mariscal (assistant referees); Rubiel Vazquez (4th official); Silviu Petrescu (VAR)

How To Watch

Match date & time: April 13, 2019, 5:00 pm.

Venue: Allianz Field, Saint Paul, MN

Online streaming: ESPN+

TV: ESPN2

Local radio: WNYE 91.5 FM — English

All-time series: Six time’s a charm, right?

The winless New York City FC head on the road to do battle with Minnesota United in a game that serves as the grand opening for the Loons’ gorgeous new home, Allianz Field. But the Pigeons would probably be better off not admiring Minnesota’s new digs as they pursue their first win of 2019.

NYCFC and Minnesota have only had two matches to date — a 3-1 win in favor of City in 2017, and a shocking 2-1 victory for the Loons towards the tail-end of 2018 in which NYCFC’s only goal came from Rodney Wallace of all people (imagine that).

This season, the two clubs are in much different positioning in the early goings. Minnesota currently stands at 6th in the Western Conference with a respectable record of 3-0-2 (W-D-L), while the lowly NYCFC stand at 11th in the East with an abysmal record of 0-4-1.

There is, however, some source of optimism for the Blues faithful with playmaker Maxi Moralez being removed from the team’s injury report, giving fans the potential to see the first of (hopefully) many successful linkups between the diminutive Argentinean and City’s newest forward Héber. Maxi’s two-week absence due to “leg tightness” has seen NYCFC look absolutely lethargic offensively, and we hope his return can bring about some positive change for

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

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