A total team win, from start to finish, a very Hoppy Easter to all involved. NYCFC have been mired in a no win situation since last season, at home they have put together some time of wining play but not enough to actually win, it has been no different on the road. The goal gap left behind by the departure of David Villa was filled for the day at least by Herber of Brazil, whose interview may be seen on our Facebook page, as well as Mitrita of Romania two recent additions, I fully expect both to net many more goals. From the kickoff, NYCFC was in control of the game with far more and better opporunities on goal, better ball movement helped to create these chances. For their parts, the goal getters, Heber barely played and hour and Mitrita just over 45 minutes. A total of 8 yellow cards were dealt out 5 to NYCFC, and all 8 were for nonesense fouls but deserved from dissent, time wasting & unsporting behavior, they may have been good tactical decisions at the time (not) but very well may come to haunt the teams later as they go towards a total for a suspension. In the 6 games since they first met in the NYCFC Home opener, 0-0 which has set the pace for the young year for NYCFC, both teams went very different ways at DC has played well and NYCFC, well, not so well. Ties and losses galore, this game all but doubled their point total on this young season. Facing another United, this one of MN, they looked improved but were unable to hold on as it ended in a 3-3 tie away. Castellanos out with an injury gave way to Heber, does the name Wally Pip mean anything to anyone with ties to the NY Yankees? as Mitrita was in for Tajouri-Shradi, and both starters on this day did well in MN. Not sure what will become of Ismael as he does have a penchant for finding the back of the net, but with Dome switching it up a bit with a 3-5-2 formation, the proof was in the pudding with a better performance all around. At only 10' Mitrita was just wide from to top of the penalty area with a dangerous go on goal. More near misses finally gave way to the NYCFC goal by Mitrita as he squeezed one between the post an Hamid. As the half drew to a close, Tinnerholm who was attacking almost at will all game was fouled in the area yet Moralez pinged the pipe. Early 2nd have action had Heber getting his goal with a great ball from Mararrita. USMNT member Lewis had his chances as did Matarrita but none hit for goals. Next up Wed. eve 7 p.m. with the Chicago Fire, Bronx Pin Night for the first 10,000 in attendance in an early Eastern Conference matchup.
Post game quotes provided by NYCFC:
NYCFC HC Torrent
On the result: "Today (we) deserved to win this game because I know how hard they work every single day at our facility"
On Heber: "I am sure we signed the right player. If you want to pllay him in the spaces, it's good news for New York City. I am very happy for him because he's a good player and he's a good guy."
On having the confidence of his players "I am sure I have the confidence of my players because every day they show me how hard they train and how much confidence in my staff they have."
On away games: "I remember last year we had many problems when we played away. That changed and right now I am very happy especially for our supporters."
NYCFC Fwd Heber
On his first goal: "It's important to be confident because always the chances come. When the chances come you need to be ready to score."
On how he is feeling post first start: "This is my first game of the year so I feel tired. I need to learn (the league). Tactically, it's diffferent. I need a few more games to be in good shape and be (the player) they saw in Coratia."
On relationship with Moralez & Mitrita: "When you play with players of quality, it is easy."
NYCFC Def. Tillerholm
On pressure to win: " Of course, everyone knows that we haven't won, and it's our first so we're happy. I think if you look at our defense, that is the best in 4 months since I arrived back here. We know they have a lot of quality players, especially in in Acosta and Rooney. They didn't score, and we scored. That's pretty much it."
On playing best game of the season so far: "I think today we showed the way (Dome) wants to play and finally we got a win...Now it's an even more important game on Wednesday and I think we have to look at this game...and is shows the character of the players."
On Heber: "It's important that he's able to keep the ball upfront and it's important for the team when we're on the pressure and he keeps the ball moving forward. I think of course it's important for him on the team that he scores but if you look at the 90 he played like 60 minutes but he did a real solid perromance and especially the way he's keeping the ball up front it's importan for the team."