New York City FC Goals: Castellanos 61 ‘
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Goals of Pumas UNAM: Rogério 72′
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What happened
New York City FC faced Mexican team Pumas UNAM in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday night. Los Chicos Celestes saw two goals disallowed by VAR before a Taty Castellanos header gave them the lead in the 61st minute. They were held back just over 10 minutes later by a goal from Rogério, and that forced the game to penalties. After eight shots, the scores were tied at 2-2. A failed attempt by Maxi Moralez allowed Sebastián Saucedo to win the game for Pumas.
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Match report
New York City FC faced Liga MX’s Pumas UNAM at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night.
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The game was a victim of the weather from the start, with thunder and lightning forcing a three-hour weather delay.
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The kickoff finally took place just before 11:00 pm ET, but that didn’t dampen the excitement of the passionate local crowd.
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Head coach Ronny Deila named a strong XI for the game, opting to make several changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Toronto FC.
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That saw Tayvon Gray, Keaton Parks, Nicolás Acevedo, Jesús Medina and Maxi Moralez take the place of Anton Tinnerholm, Alfredo Morales, Thiago Andrade and Ismael Tajouri Shradi.
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The first real opportunity came from a corner in the 18th minute when a delivery found its way to Keaton Parks at the top of the box, but was unable to direct his effort toward the goal.
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NYCFC thought they had the upper hand shortly after when Taty Castellanos’ run from behind allowed them to cut it so Parks was at home; the VAR ruled that the initial race was offside.
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That initial rhythm continued throughout the first half and, in the 36th minute, Acevedo fired a shot that went away from the goal.
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The second half almost brought an instant advance for NYCFC after Gudi Thórarinsson ventured forward but was unable to control the ball within the six-yard area.
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NYCFC thought they had taken the lead a second time when Santiago Rodríguez ran over the goalkeeper, but VAR called the play again, this time for handball.
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NYCFC remained relentless in their pursuit of a goal, and in the 61st minute the pressure finally did when a Moralez corner found Castellanos free in the area to head home.
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The visitors continued to prove to be a threat and in the 72nd minute they secured a surprise draw through Rogério.
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Feeling the need for a change, Ronny Deila headed to his bench to introduce Thiago, Tajouri-Shradi and Morales in place of Medina, Acevedo and Rodríguez.
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It almost had an instant impact with Thiago having a run that failed to produce a chance at the end. There was time for a final change during regulation time with the impressive Gray being sent off due to injury in place of Chris Gloster.
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Both sides could not separate during the 90 minutes and that forced the match to penalties. After eight shots, the scores were tied 2-2. A failed attempt by Moralez allowed Sebastián Saucedo to score and give Pumas the 3-2 victory.
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How we align
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