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MLS New York City FC

Five Points: Take a Break

October 4, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release


Take A Break

It's been a hectic August and September for NYCFC littered with games.

That's seen a cascade of highs and lows, injuries and suspensions, and it's been a real test of the group. The ability to press the pause button for two weeks, and get back on the training field with more time available is much needed.

It will allow both players and staff a second to inhale and refocus their gaze at the playoff spot that is open to them.

NYCFC know exactly what awaits them after the break, with a Hudson River Derby first on deck. The chance to be fresh and prepared for the game should give the team a solid foundation to enter what will be a big game in the context of the season.

Clean Sheet

In soccer, the foundation for success is often built on good defensive play.

Not only did NYCFC keep a clean sheet on Sunday, but they also limited Nashville SC to very few clear cut chances. The team's star playmaker, Hany Mukhtar, saw his influence on proceedings limited and that was largely down to the hard work and quality James Sands, Alex Callens, and Maxime Chanot.

Callens almost became the game's match winner with a fantastic header early in the first half, with the decision to flag it offside a harsh call. NYCFC have an important final stretch to the season as they look to secure their position in the playoffs, and heading into the break a clean sheet against one of the Eastern Conference's better sides is not something that should be ignored.

Get Well Soon Anton

Regardless of allegiances, no player or fan wants to see someone leave the game injured.

Anton Tinnerholm's unfortunate departure on Sunday was a shock to the system for NYCFC, and it was a disappointment to see him leave the game in such a way. It's unclear how much time he will be absent from the first team while he recovers, but regardless he will not do so alone, with the club rallying around our injured friend.

"I'm very sad for what happened to him," Taty Castellanos said. "We have to play for him and fight for him."

Tayvon Steps Up

Tayvon Gray has been a patient young man this season, securing opportunities in the first team sparingly.

To his credit, the youngster has been a reliable defensive option when called upon, and now he will be given an extended opportunity to show what he can do. The defender looked calm and composed when entering the field, and can hopefully develop further with regular opportunities.

"Tayvon did a good job today," Ronny Deila said afterward. "We can get more experience for him. He's looked good every chance he's had."

If Gray needs any motivation to succeed he should just look at the trajectory of teammate James Sands. The Club's first-ever Homegrown signing has established himself as a key player this season, and taken the increased responsibility in his stride.

Nothing can replicate the experience of first team minutes in Major League Soccer, and this will be an opportunity for Gray to show Ronny Deila where he is in his development. On Sunday, Gray looked assured both defensively and offensively, and that will be important going forward, with NYCFC asking their fullbacks/wingbacks to contribute on both sides of the ball.

Chances Created

Although NYCFC didn't manage to score at the weekend, it wasn't for a want of trying.

NYCFC started the game red hot, and tested Joe Willis' goal several times in just the first 10 minutes of the game.

Nashville SC are a defensively resolute side, and they offer very little space in their own defensive third. On Sunday, their strategy was built on an ability to transition quickly and isolate their attackers in one v one battles that would in turn create chances.

By the end of the game the expected goals told the story of the game, with NYCFC registering a total of 2.6.

In short, NYCFC did a good job in attack but maybe didn't get the fortune their play deserved. It was important that NYCFC showed up in their last game before the break, and there was enough in this performance to see the team is heading in the right direction.

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