With a semi full Yankee Stadium, the actions of this highly anticipated game began. Patrick Vieira’s players made their proposal clear from the beginning: NYC FC's midfield flaunted their luxury midfield: in the center Iraola, with Lampard on his right and Pirlo to his left.
Off the left flank, the Bronx stadium bursted with excitement early in the game because of an excellent move made by Thomas McNamara that capitalized with a light touch. The home team went ahead 1-0.
The goal changed the attitude of the Bulls. Passes became more fluid and found their receivers. In the 12th minute, the yankee goalkeeper saved the first dangerous play, but the rival’s insistence and significant defensive distractions allowed the tie. Without any difficulty, Maximiliano Urrutia equalized by scoring his eighth goal of the season.
Michael Barrios scored his 9th goal of the season
Naturally, the game became more aggressive than normal and Frank Lampard had the misfortune of being fouled which forced him to be replaced by Steven Mendoza. The substitution was positive for NYC FC’s proposal; the more speed, the more variants generated. The referee whistled halftime; the game was in the air.
The second half started MLS style: long passes looking for open spaces. Dallas FC decided to calm the ball and it worked. A series of passes disarranged the defensive line of New York City FC leaving Michael Barrios in front of the goalkeeper. The Colombian striker made no mistake; his ninth goal meant the 2-1.
The game resumed and the away team began seeking out the long ball. Fortunately for the audience, none of the Texans’ checks off were productive. The fans became a factor for the tie with chants that lit up NYC FC’s plays. In a well worked wall pass, Jack Harrison found himself close to the side line, centered at medium height and an excellent header by Khiry Shelton raised the 25,204 people from their seats.
The referee's whistle went off and with that, NYC FC moved into sole possession of second place, pulling within a point of first-place Toronto FC. Meanwhile, FC Dallas remained at the first place of the Western Conference with 52 points.