Hello and welcome to another Film Friday. NYCFC beat Nashville 2-1, and while there’s a lot to talk about from that match, let’s focus on the most important thing: goals.
Keaton Parks – 11′
Let’s talk about New York’s first goal. New York has the ball in their half, and after a few passes New York advance the ball as Talles Magno, the NY left winger, drops to midfield to receive the ball. Let’s pause it right here.
In a regular mid-block, the Nashville players would hold their position and stay close to their target. But here we see a couple of the Boys In Gold be more aggressive and press the opposition, first Shaq Moore and then Alex Muyl. This tactic could be rewarding, but it is a risk.
Now watch Magno’s movement. Again, this is the left winger who is now in midfield, and later will be on the right. Before getting to that, Maher makes a very similar movement to what Moore did in midfield. Again, it could be rewarding, but it’s a bit risky.
After a nice combination of passes, Magno finds himself in the right wing area. Pausing the video here, it seems like Nashville have dealt with the situation well. That is, until Magno does this [casually nutmegs Muyl].
Keaton Parks has already lost Fafà Picault, who thought he’d passed him onto Moore. By the time Moore realizes it, it’s a bit too late. Even if Moore’s movement is quicker, this aerial duel is a complete mismatch for him, not to mention that he had more to worry about.
If we bring it back right before Magno decided to go prime Ronaldinho on Nashville, you’ll see that Moore takes a look at NYCFC’s left back Braian Cufré to cover for any runs. Because of Magno’s quick feet, Mitja Ilenič’s quick cross and Parks’ quick movement, Nashville’s defense was unable to handle the changes.
Maxime Chanot – 25′
The second New York goal was so straightforward that I don’t even need to show you what went wrong.
Hany Mukhtar – 81′
Lastly, let’s look at the Nashville goal. At this point in the game, Nashville are pressing pretty hard, and they get the ball back. Alex Muyl goes for the spectacular, but the ball ends up with Walker Zimmerman.
When MLS is making their case on why they count secondary assists, they should show this goal. Zimmerman fights for the ball and beats the first man, and then he does an amazing turn to beat the second. Finally, he plays a beautifully weighted pass to Lovitz, who squares it to Mukhtar.
The league MVP does really well with the finish. There were a lot of NYCFC defenders in the box, as well as NSC attackers, but he managed to put the ball in the only place it needed to go. A really nice goal from Nashville, but maybe a little too late.
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