New York City FC left it late to claim a point against Columbus Crew on Saturday afternoon. The visitors took a second-half lead after striker Christian Ramirez converted from close range. Heading deep into injury time and still pressing for a goal, Gabe Segal pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to convert from close range and force both teams to take home a point.
NYCFC 1 Columbus Crew 1
Report by NYCFC.com
A Saturday afternoon in the sun awaited NYCFC and Columbus as the pair met in the Bronx looking for three points.
Head Coach Nick Cushing wanted to build on the positive momentum generated by a hard-fought point on the road to Real Salt Lake last time out.
His starting XI had one change from seven days ago, with Mitja Ilenič stepping in to replace Stephen Turnbull at right wingback.
First Half
The first 10 minutes saw both sides register good half-chances, with NYCFC finding most joy down the right-hand side.
Columbus provided an early warning of their attacking threat when Cucho Hernandez played a one-two with Christian Ramirez before curling a shot that Luis Barraza claimed comfortably.
NYCFC were keen to stretch the game and create overloads using their wingbacks, and just after the half-hour mark that worked to allow Talles Magno to record an effort on target.
Minutes later, a devilish delivery from Braian Cufré landed on the head of Gabriel Pereira at the back post. The Brazilian powered the ball down into the ground, but it, unfortunately, hit the side-netting.
The momentum was now with the hosts and again Cufré was the architect, this time finding Talles Magno in the penalty area – his stabbed effort from close range going just wide.
Second Half
The second period started with an early goal and it came for the visitors. A quick throw and pass over the top allowed Alexandru Mățan to square it for Christian Ramirez to convert from close range.
Keen for a quick response, NYCFC almost had one, when Gabriel Pereira’s freekick found the head of Alfredo Morales, but his effort was well saved.
That would be Morales’ last major involvement in proceedings. The U.S. international was replaced by midfielder Richy Ledezma in the 59th minute.
Cushing would make further changes in the 73rd minute when he called upon Tayvon Gray and Gabe Segal to replace Talles Magno and Tony Alfaro. The team’s final changes of the day would arrive five minutes later as Turnbull and Kevin O’Toole entered in place of Ilenič and Cufré.
The subs almost made a huge impression when Ledezma whipped a ball to the back post and Pereira played it across the goal, but Segal was unable to connect with the ball.
With the game moving towards the dying embers, NYCFC finally found their hard work rewarded with a slice of good fortune after Richy Ledezma’s pass deflected into the path of Segal.
The striker took one touch to bring the ball down before slotting it past the goalkeeper to tie the game. That would be the final act of the game and allow both teams to take home a point.
Next Game
Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 7:30pm ET – MLS Regular Season Matchday 20 v. Atlanta United FC | Mercedes Benz Stadium; Atlanta, Georgia | Broadcast: Apple TV | Radio: nycfc.com/radio
