3 things we learned from NYCFC's awful 1-0 loss to CF Montréal | OneFootball

On Saturday, New York City FC welcomed CF Montréal to Yankee Stadium for a game that was labeled as one the team should win.  The Boys in Blue have been struggling to find the back of the net, despite a few 1-0 wins.  However, there was the hope that the match against the last-place team would spark them to score more than one.

But that did not happen.  NYCFC failed to find the back of the net and arguably had a pitiful effort in the attack.  This ultimately led them to lose 1-0 to Montréal, handing the team from Canada their first Major League Soccer win of the year.  It was an outrageous result that probably angered the majority of the supporters.

It was not the worst performance ever, for the NYCFC defense arguably had a good game.  Matt Freese had seven saves, and he and the backline faced 22 shots.  The fact that they kept the score level in the first half and did not allow a second goal was impressive.  The work in the final third is what makes this fixture a disaster.

There is quite a bit to discuss about the match.  Here are three things we learned from the game between NYCFC and CF Montréal.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s loss to Montréal

3. NYCFC wasted a Matt Freese masterclass

Matt Freese might have given up a goal, but Price Owusu’s shot was an incredible one.  The Montréal forward beat the keeper not only on pace, but also on the placement of the ball.  But again, Freese had seven saves on the night, and arguably, with the backline, they kept NYCFC in the match.

However, the Pigeons were pitiful in the attack and were outshot by the visitors, 22 to nine.  Some of the shots were poor and the offensive effort left so much to be desired.

In reality, NYCFC wasted a masterclass by Freese.  Many of his seven saves were incredible to watch.  His reaction time was quick and his awareness of where to move made a difference in why only one goal was allowed.

Some of his impressive saves included the 22nd-minute one where he swiftly put his hands in front of him to stop a header from Luca Petrasso, the 31st dive to his right after a shot from Giacomo Vrioni, and then his save against Owusu in the 67th that kept the forward from getting a brace.

When all is said and done, the defensive work was great.  Freese was superb.  NYCFC must be kicking themselves after they lost.

2. Should Thiago Martins be the captain?

Sometimes, Thiago Martins has the leadership qualities with what makes him a decent NYCFC captain.  He is no Sean Johnson or Maxime Chanot, but he was one of the better options available since Chanot left.

Martins, similar to Freese, performed very well defensively against Montréal.  He helped lead the backline in limiting the damage to the team.  He also helped clean up mistakes from his teammates.

There is no question that he is a leader and an important veteran when he does not make the mistakes he will make here and there.  But it must be asked whether he is the right person to be the captain.  Martins led the team, but whether he can inspire them is questionable at best.  The Pigeons need someone who will encourage them during the tough times.  The recent goal-scoring challenges do not help by any means.

A good captain can help inspire his teammates and lead them to success.  It might be time to consider a change in who will wear the armband.

1. Aiden O’Neill made his debut for NYCFC

One positive from the game was that Aiden O’Neill made his debut for NYCFC.  The midfielder arrived at the perfect time too since Keaton Parks was out injured.

Overall, the newest signing had a decent match.  He started the game and played about 62 minutes.  He slotted in nicely next to Jonathan Shore, and the two complemented each other in the midfield.  It is also good that O’Neill was able to play within his first week with being with NYCFC.  It will take some time for him to mesh completely, but this was a good first step.