This was my first game with Soccer Long Island Magazine and it was facing my hometown DC United at historic Yankee Stadium no less. It was a cool damp day for a hard fought battle of eastern division rivals, NYCFC & DC United did not disappoint. Both teams had their chances on goal and the pair of USMNT goalkeepers were more than up to the task. Bill Hamid made his 200th MLS start and was forced into a game saving save in the 88'. From my perch in the Press Box, the contingent of traveling fans of DC United were just as loud as the supporters section of hometown NYCFC at the other end of the stadium. The first of a few cautions in the game went to Maxime Chanot the rest to the visitors with both wing backs Mora & Jara getting one apiece. The dynamic duo of Rooney and Acosta did not find the success that they enjoyed so much out of last season after the arrival of the English legend Wayne Rooney. Newly rung NYC captain, RIng had 2 particularly good tries on goal yet neither struck the bell.
By the numbers NYCFC dominated in total shots with 21 v 7, they were looking for a long distance strike as they struck 13 times from, beyond the box as DC tried but once. Desptie being far less offensive minded, DC lead in corners 6 to 4 over their hosts. Stats may have just lied during this game as well with NYCFC having more than 2x the possession 69% as opposed to their opposition just having 31% in the first half and a stunning 565 total passes by the hosts and United just 288. So off they went back to Audi Field having stolen a point in NYC.
Submitted by Ana-Karina Jin.
