Match Report: NYCFC Draw with New England

NYCFC failed to start their three-game home-stand the way they’d hoped to, as they settled for a 2-2 draw against the New England Revolution at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday Night.

In the 86th minute, NYCFC lost an opportunity at three points when Xavier Kouassi knocked in a header off a beautiful right-wing cross that left the crowd at Yankee Stadium frustrated and confused as NYCFC dropped their second straight match in disappointing fashion.

“You can’t be conceding the ball late,” Coach Patrick Vieira said. “We can talk about concentration. We can talk about focus. If you scored the chances that you create, the game would be different. We were really naive the way we were defending today. We have to get back to our basics of defending, especially when the ball is in our box.”

Earlier in the match, NYCFC forward Jack Harrison scored his sixth goal of the year off a superb assist from David Villa. But just seven minutes later, Kei Kamara equalized for the Revs. In the second half, NYCFC’s Miguel Camargo came on as a sub for Tommy McNamara, and scored his first MLS goal three minutes later in the 64th minute. But NYCFC was unable to hold the one goal lead.

“Obviously it was a very frustrating game. [Vieira] was disappointed with the result. We wanted the win and being in a situation where we could’ve gotten it, he’s even more disappointed. But we have to get our heads back up,’’ said Jack Harrison, adding “It’s a disappointing game. We wanted the three points and we didn’t get it.”

NYCFC keeper Sean Johnson also expressed his frustration with the team’s performance. “I agree [with Vieira]. In the moment, we switch off and don’t do what’s necessary, and we end up conceding a late goal. We’ve got to stay tuned in for 90-plus minutes. It’s a game that takes seconds to change.”

NYCFC will look to rebound Saturday afternoon when they take on the Philadelphia Union at Yankee Stadium.