New York City FC draw to San Jose Earthquakes 0-0
New York City FC remains atop the Eastern Conference after playing the San Jose Earthquakes to a 0-0 draw at Avaya Stadium Friday night.
Josh Saunders made four saves to earn his sixth clean sheet of the season as NYCFC (10-7-7) extended their lead in the East to four points in front of second place Toronto FC. San Jose (6-6-10) remains in eighth place in the West with 28 points. Jack Harrison had NYCFC’s first quality scoring chance on five minutes with an open attempt from 20 yards out that was wide to the left of Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham. Saunders came up big twice in the first half, first kicking away a chance by Alberto Quintero and then parrying away a point-blank shot by Anibal Godoy. Saunders also did well to deny Chad Barrett with a quarter hour to go.
Steven Mendoza had a pair of chances in the final nine minutes, but Bingham dived to save his attempt from 17 yards out in the 81st minute. The San Jose goalkeeper did well to come off his line three minutes from full time to cut off Mendoza’s angle as the substitute shot wide.
Head Coach Patrick Vieira acording to NYCFC press conference said: “On whether he was frustrated with his high-scoring team being shut out “We used to concede a lot as well. And we didn’t concede tonight, and I was really pleased with the clean sheet. But I think we have to give a credit to the other team. They played really well. They made it really difficult for us. It was really difficult for us to play. And we are going back home with a point and I am really satisfied with that point.”
On the play of his back four
“I think when you analyze the game, not conceding a goal, our back four plus the keeper had to perform well. And I was really pleased with our performance, because coming here and play the way we did tonight – we didn’t play our best football, but I think on the other side we defended quite really well.”
During the match against the San Jose Earthquakes: “Tonight was a tough match. I thought that San Jose made it difficult for us to play. That is kinda the motto of this franchise, they make it difficult for you and they worked their socks off for 90 minutes. They made it hard on us and I thought we tried to do some good things and create some chances but overall 0-0 was a fair result.”
On the team defensively:
“In reality the commitment to defense, not just from the back four but the total 11 guys on the field and even the guys that come in, I think has been great. We found a little bit of chemistry, a little bit of a groove to be solid defensively and I think the more we can do that, we have the guys that can put the ball in the back of the net. I think it has been a good thing so far.”
On returning to San Jose:
“It was a real surreal experience. As a defender you do not really get many shouts for your name, but to be back here the supporters really showed me a lot of love and everyone that came out was yelling my name and saying hello. For me, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had on the soccer field. I am really thankful and grateful to them. It is an experience I will remember forever.”
New York City FC Defender Maxime Chanot, said: “I am feeling good. Like I said, we’ve got real quality players on this team and it is always simple to play with players like that. I was my first start. I am happy about myself and I can say thank you to all my lads, because like I told you they make my game easy. “
On his place with the other defenders in the team: “I feel really good. We defended and worked hard during the last week with the coach. I think we
did well tonight as a defense. We took a lot and the team really treats me well so it was easy for me to play with the team, especially the defense.”
