July 7, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
New York City FC lost 2-1 to Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. City took the lead through Andrés Perea in the fifth minute. Austin equalized through Gyasi Zardes in first-half stoppage time. The striker doubled Austin’s advantage in the 69th minute. Unfortunately, it was enough for Austin to win the game that night.
Match Summary
New York City FC looked to build on their win away to Austin FC on Saturday night.
The Blues will be looking to build on three away wins already this season, with Nick Cushing making two changes to the squad that beat CF Montreal in midweek.
Andrés Perea and Strahinja Tanasijević came on for Maxi Moralez and defender Birk Risa.
One such change had an immediate effect, with Perea actively participating from the first kick.
The midfielder almost played a part in putting City ahead after just one minute of play, when his cross was accidentally headed towards goal and Austin was relieved to see the ball roll off the post.
The hosts were left with nothing to do for five minutes as Perea gave City the lead. Inspired by Tayvon Gray’s excellent cross, Perea was able to slot the ball home from close range.
City showed no signs of giving up but were dealt a blow when Gray was forced off with an injury in the 13th minute. Mitja Ilenič replaced him on the pitch.
Slovenia wasted no time getting involved in the game. A well-planned set piece from City saw Ilenič send a low cross into the box, which was met by Alonso Martínez. The striker was able to get hold of the ball but his effort flew just wide of the post.
At the other end, Austin’s first notable chance came in the 16th minute after Jáder Obrian was free at the back post. The forward looked ready to convert, but a superb sploshing save from Matt Freese denied him.
The frenetic pace of the game showed no signs of slowing down and Ilenic was next to test Austin’s goal, his cross hitting the post.
Austin equalised in the final minute of first-half stoppage time when Gayasi Zardes headed in O’Brian’s cross.
City made one change ahead of the second half, bringing on Justin Haak for Kevin O’Toole.
The second half started with a good chance for City to regain the lead when Ilenic almost grabbed Brad Stuber’s deep cross.
A quick transition saw Santiago Rodriguez and Martinez exchange passes and Martinez tried to clear the ball past Stuber, but the goalkeeper easily saved.
Parks would be the next to go close for City, as a corner found Tanasijevic’s head and his goal-bound header was deflected by Parks, but went just wide of the post.
Austin were struggling with a threatening City counterattack and a well-structured run from back to front saw Hannes Wolf cut inside and fire a low shot that Stuber handled well to tip over the bar.
Despite City’s pressure increasing, Austin went ahead through Zardes’ second goal in the 69th minute.
The visitors reacted quickly and Ilenic went close again after Wolff passed the ball back to him inside the area. Unfortunately, the effort flew over the bar.
It would be Wolf’s last appearance of the night, as he was sent off in the 77th minute, with Muunsef Bakr replacing Martinez and Agustin Ojeda.
A superb run down the Parks byline culminated in him firing a cross into the danger zone. There was Haak waiting to convert, but he couldn’t make a strong connection with the ball, meaning Stuver could take possession.
City’s final substitution that night was Jovan Mijatovic, replacing the tireless Parkes.
Cushing’s team pressed again and James Sands almost had a memorable birthday by scoring his first MLS goal, but his curling shot just missed the target.
The home team wanted to take the game to the end and Manchester City pushed until the end but eventually lost the away game 2-1.
What are your future plans?
New York City FC’s next game is against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, July 13th. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET at Soldier Field.
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