Jonathan Lewis Lifts NYCFC to Dramatic 2-1 Win Over New England Revolution
New York City FC extended their winning streak to an impressive three games thanks to the late-game heroics of rookie winger Jonathan Lewis.
Match Summary:
New York City FC was their usual dominant self out of the gate. The Pigeons controlled an overwhelming share of possession and practically lived on the Revs side of the pitch during the first 45 minutes of the match. Unfortunately, the home side was unable to put one in the back of the net.
The best scoring chance that NYCFC came in the 16th minute when David Villa pushed his first-time shot just wide of the near post. The Revolution would counter with a golden opportunity of their own in the 39th minute when Kelyn Rowe drilled an absolute laser of a shot off the woodwork.
The match would go into the half scoreless, but the offensive fireworks began eleven minutes into
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the second half. NYCFC continued to dominate possession at the beginning of the half, but the Revs took a 1-0 lead in the 56th minute after Teal Bunbury tapped in a spilled save by keeper Sean Johnson.
The next 20 minutes would be a back and forth affair between the two clubs, with the Revolution failing to capitalize on their chances to double their lead. Ultimately, the home side would equalize in the 77th on a Ben Sweat cross that trickled through the penalty box to David Villa, who coolly slotted home his 19th goal of the season to tie the match.
Villa’s strike seemingly energized the Pigeons and the club was constantly on the attack for the remainder of the match. After several chances to take the lead, the Cityzens finally broke through with the game-winner in stoppage time. Rookie Jonathan Lewis, who was subbed on in the 85th minute, pounced on Sweat’s missed shot and drilled the ball past Revs keeper Cody Cropper to put the home side up for good.
The final whistle blew shortly after and NYCFC celebrated their ninth home victory of the season.
Man of the Match: Jonathan Lewis
NYCFC wouldn’t have earned all three points if it wasn’t for Jonathan Lewis’ late game heroics Sunday night. The rookie out of Akron scored the game-winner that pushed the Boys in Blue past the Revs and if he wasn’t sitting far post on Sweat’s shot, NYCFC probably would have settled for a disappointing draw against the league’s worst away team.
NYCFC First: New York City FC Records a Club Record Ninth Home Win
With the win their win over the Revolution, the Pigeons set a new club record for home wins in a season. The club was one of the worst home clubs the past two seasons, but it looks as though the Pigeons have finally found a way to use the tight confines of Yankee Stadium to their advantage. With three more home matches remaining, the club will surely continue to add to their new record total.
Officiating Review: Mark Geiger
Mark Geiger is the most respected referee in the United States and absolutely lived up to his reputation. Despite awarding several fouls over the course of play, Geiger called a fair match and made several advantage calls to let both teams establish some sort of flow to their games. However, the 2014 World Cup official did give out four yellow cards on the day and a couple of the cards given seemed a little too harsh.
Up Next: New York Red Bulls, 8/25, 7:00 ET Kick
NYCFC will travel across the river Friday night to take on the New York Red Bulls in this season’s final installment of the Hudson River Derby. The Red Bulls boast an 8-2-2 record at home this season, but one of their losses came at the hands of the Pigeons earlier this season.
Next: It’s time to say, “I told you so” about Aaron Judge
If NYCFC can escape Harrison with a win, they’ll put a good amount of distance between themselves and their cross-river rivals in the Eastern Conference standings.