NYCFC 0-0 New England Revolution
New York, Yankee Stadium (June 3, 2023) — New York City Football Club earned a point against New England Revolution on Saturday, as the two side played out a 0-0 draw at Yankee Stadium. An entertaining clash saw chances for both sides, while Braian Cufré was shown a red card in injury time.
The Boys in Blue welcomed Bruce Arena’s side to the Bronx for the final game of a three-match home stand, as the two teams locked horns for the second time this term.
April’s trip to Gillette Stadium had seen the pair play out an entertaining 1-1 draw, while the City Boys had been victorious in our last three in a row at home to the Revs.
The Massachusetts outfit, who had led the Eastern Conference in April, had provided plenty of entertainment in recent weeks, contesting consecutive six-goal thrillers with two 3-3 draws on the bounce, having shipped nine goals in their previous three fixtures.
NYCFC Head Coach Nick Cushing made four changes to the side that faced FC Cincinnati in midweek, as Luis Barraza, Alfredo Morales, Richy Ledezma, and Justin Haak replaced Matt Freese, Gabe Segal, Tayvon Gray, and Tony Alfaro.
A pulsating opening 45 yielded chances for both sides with spells of end-to-end action.
Matt Polster’s skewed effort over the crossbar marked the game’s first chance, while the hosts’ first sight of goal fell to Santiago Rodríguez, who latched onto Justin Haak’s long ball but fired straight at Djordje Petrovic before the offside flag was raised.
Keaton Parks then headed over from close range, and Gabriel Pereira went in search of a fifth goal of the season – but his low drive lacked the power to trouble the Revs shot-stopper.
New England had the ball in the net on 21’ when Bobby Wood drilled into the near post – but the forward had strayed offside.
Barraza did well to deny Wood a minute later before Pereira drew the best from Petrovic at the other end, opening a yard of space with some neat footwork and curling towards the top corner – only for the goalkeeper to tip over the bar.
New York came close again on 34’ when Ledezma drove forward and arrowed an effort goalward, but watched as his strike bounced back off the post.
As both sides chased a half-time lead, Jozy Altidore was unable to divert Emmanuel Boateng’s delivery on target, while Parks saw another header saved, and the two sides headed into the interval goalless.
There was no let-up of goalmouth action in the second period, as both sides pressed for an opener.
Cufré tried his luck for a second goal of the week but blazed over after Rodríguez’s free-kick had been blocked, while substitute Giacomo Vrioni and Carles Gil were off-target for the visitors.
Rodríguez then unlocked the Revs defense with a delightful through-ball into Pereira’s path, but once again Petrovic proved impenetrable.
Cushing introduced Talles Magno and Mitja Ilenič in the second half with the defender almost making an instant impact with a cross-shot that was just too high.
Polster then dragged an effort wide as New England mounted a spell of late pressure, with City defending valiantly to preserve the clean sheet.
There was drama in injury time as Cufré was dismissed for a challenge on DeJuan Jones, but the hosts held on for a point, with Rodríguez almost snatching the win with a saved effort in the game’s final chance.
