New York City FC returned home following the defeat against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The game itself was a wake-up call on just how important Thiago Martins is for the team’s defensive line. While disappointing, given how the goals were conceded, the team held off well. The focus was now on Charlotte and how the team was going to bounce back from the defeat.

Charlotte emerges victorious

The team has been able to regain momentum whenever they play at home this season. Aside from the defeat against Inter Miami CF, the team has looked solid, something that wasn’t seen last season. Despite having Nicolas Fernandez emerge as the team’s unexpected striker, a proper ‘9’ was exposed by St Louis City SC on the team’s most recent home fixture. New York City FC dominated the game from beginning to end, but they just couldnt capitalize on their chances. Those missed opportunities proved to be costly. Saint Louis City SC needed one chance, and they took full advantage of it to tie the game in added time. 

It was the first game where Nicolas Fernandez was neutralized for most of the match. It could have been circumstantial, and a good tactical analysis from the visitors for figuring out how to neutralize a key player. But we saw something similar in the game against the Whitecaps. If Fernandez was unable to get near the final third, the team had no options to finalize their opportunities. Acknowledging the fact that Nicolas Fernnandez is more of a midfielder than a striker, there are moments when he drops back, and the team plays with no striker. Maxi pulls the strings and sets up the play, while Ojeda runs on the wings to get the best out of his speed and dribbling abilities.

Talles Magno does his part, but he drops to the wing as well. Many expected the manager to attempt a striker role for the Brazilian, but it’s still too early to tell what the manager is going to do with Magno in terms of position.

Charlotte FC sounded the alarm for the ‘Boys in Blue.’  It was a repeat of the game against Saint Louis City SC, complete dominance in the first half, but once again, the team just didn’t find the back of the net. New York City FC had the opportunity to change the outcome of the game, but their chances in the 30th minute couldnt find the back of the net. New York City FC had complete control of the wings with either Wolf or O’Toole and Ojeda. But without a clear reference point up front, the team was unable to capitalize on the momentum.

Charlotte held off until the second half to make their adjustments. The visitors only needed 10 minutes to find the pass that broke New York’s defensive line. In a matter of 3 touches, Idan Toklomati was able to put Charlotte in front within 54 minutes of the game. What followed was a defensive display that New York City FC just couldnt break through. They did attempt some long-distance shots, but they were not dangerous enough to complicate Charlotte’s goalkeeper, Kahlina. 

The visitors would seal the game in the 90th minute after a well-placed shot by Kerwin Vargas found the back of the net. The goal was a low blow at home for New York City FC, as the result handed them their second consecutive defeat this season. They managed to pull one back in stoppage time through none other than Nicolas Fernandez, but it made no difference to the result.

The team might actually be starting to feel the void left by Alonso Martinez. The need for a proper striker might finally be coming up in the list of the team’s immediate priorities. New York City FC now prepares to host FC Cincinnati on Wednesday for one of the first midweek fixtures of the season. Can the team bounce back, or will we see 3 defeats in a row?