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MLS New York City FC

Five Points: Young Guns

March 11, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release


New York City FC suffered a defeat to Portland Timbers on Saturday.

The visitors scored two late goals to take the game 2-1.

Here are Five Points from the game...

Young Guns

New York City FC boast the youngest starting XI in MLS and the youngest average age for a squad in the league.

The roster averages at 23-years-old, with several of the players still early in their development.

With a number of new arrivals this season many are still adjusting to life in MLS. The team showed flickers of their potential during the first 45 minutes against the Timbers, with several good changes almost resulting in a second goal for the team.

Quick Start

The rain didn't dampen the start of the game, with City almost ahead inside the opening minutes.

The team's momentum didn't slow down and they deservedly took the lead ten minutes in.

From there, the chances continued and while it didn't produce a second goal, it did feel like a performance of old.

Speaking afterward, Nick Cushing hailed the first half of some of the best football the team has played this season.

The team's quality at Yankee Stadium is well-established, and if they can build consistency across the coming home games, then points will surely follow.

Santi Strikes

It was fitting that City's number ten broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.

Santiago Rodríguez settled himself in the penalty box and showed tremendous composure to give his team the lead. The goal typified what was a brilliant first half showing from Rodríguez, with the forward at the heart of City's good work in the final third - including almost notching an assist for teammate Hannes Wolf.

Rodríguez has scored three, four, and five goals during his three seasons in the Five Boroughs, and he will be a vital cog in attack again in 2024 as he seeks to continue that upward trend.

Home Debut Hannes

The Austrian youth international was signed by City from Borussia Mönchengladbach at the start of the year, and left a positive impression on those watching his home debut.

Speaking after the game, the midfielder was disappointed with the result but did enjoy his first exposure to home fans at Yankee Stadium.

"We have good supporters; they just deserve better results and I think we will show them what we can do. We need to do it, and I think everyone will be happy," he said.

Thank You

"Our fans are a special group of fans."

Nick Cushing was eager to appreciate the fans that made it out on a wet and windy Saturday in the Bronx.

The unfurling of the pre-game tifo only enhanced the atmosphere, and that backing will prove vital across the coming home games as the team looks to establish itself in the Eastern Conference.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 11, 2024


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