In Vancouver, New York City FC midfielder Frank Lampard popped up with his second-ever goal for the franchise as his side managed a dramatic 2-1 win over the Whitecaps.
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Two clubs on opposite ends of the budget philosophy.
These teams meet for the first time Saturday night at BC Place. Referee Ricardo Salazar decided it was worthy of a penalty kick and Villa stepped up to win it for the visitors in dramatic fashion.
Despite a number of chances for the ‘Caps, NYCFC opened the scoring on 29 minutes.
Just seven minutes later, he conjured something even better.
“I think we have a great opportunity to finish in the top two and potentially win the Supporters’ Shield”, defender Jordan Harvey told the team’s official website. “That’s why they are who they are”. “He’s (Laba) got the ball”. Then Morales put home his spot kick.
Adi score his second goal when the Timbers collected an errant pass in their own box and used their speed in transition to set up Adi’s go-ahead goal in the 50th minute. They all have skill, but it’s the ability to compose themselves in tight quarters for that crucial millisecond that separates the brilliant from the merely good. Darren Mattocks (ribs) could make the bench. He had back issues in 2014 and has been limited to just 15 starts this season by calf and hamstring injuries.
On if things are starting to click, Kreis said, “I think so, I’m looking out there watching the game, I’m seeing a lot of the tactical stuff now happening we’ve been trying to preach now for the better part of the entire season and had to re-preach and re-teach when the new players came in, so really pleased with the performances”. He picked out Angelino with a brilliant ball that only he knew that Angelino could get to. Even Lampard.
NYCFC were two minutes from recording a clean sheet for the second time in three matches when Salazar ruled Angelino fouled Kendall Waston inside the box. It’s not an easy job. Away from the VERY comfy confines of Yankee Stadium, NYCFC have averaged less than a goal a game, are 3-8-3, and have not won since July 4 against Montreal. “You adapt slightly, I have to say I found it enjoyable to play on”.
The Caps, on the other hand, aren’t finding much enjoyment on their turf. He hit the ball on the first-touch into the back of the net to put NYCFC up 1-0 at that point.
David Villa, who scored a gorgeous header last Saturday, will look to add to his team-leading 16 goals. “We need three points”. “I don’t want to have (Saturday’s loss) being the defining moment of the season”. Despite being in the twilight of his footballing career, Lampard seems to still have his scoring boots on and he is undoubtedly a class act around the penalty area. Substitute Pedro Morales converted to cancel out Lampard’s well-taken opener in the first half. They could also clinch a playoff spot this weekend if results go their way. Two controversial penalties, both on challenges that clearly should have not been called as fouls, changed the match in the final ten minutes of the match. Lampard beat Laba on the ball, but the star NYCFC midfielder feigned contact in the box, forcing Salazar to call for a penalty. The 21,000 fans voiced their disapproval with the “Ref, you Suck” chant. “There’s no point feeling sorry for yourselves”, said Robinson.
“I thought they played a great game. What can you say?” Carl Robinson disagreed with both penalty decisions and backed his player on what was a clean sliding tackle that got all ball.
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Going into the break New York held a possession advantage of 57% -43% and more importantly 1 – 0 lead. “At this point in the season losing it like that is definitely tough”. “It’s a bit of a heartbreak”. Does anybody in MLS do less with gilt-edged chances than the Jamaican native?
