For the first time this season, New York City FC came away from an MLS game at Yankee Stadium without any points. The New England Revolution defeated NYCFC 1-0, securing their first win in more than two months thanks to Brian Wright's first goal in his first MLS start.
NYCFC dominated possession 66 percent to 34 percent and outshot New England 28-11, but the Revs hit on the counter attack. Wright tapped home the game's lone goal after Sean Johnson spilled Cristian Penilla's shot in the 71st minute. It was Wright's last touch of the match, as he was substituted before NYCFC restarted the game.
City couldn't find a breakthrough, though came close a number of times. Ronald Matarrita's deflected shot in the first half hit the crossbar and Valentin Castellanos was denied by Brad Knighton on a breakaway. Meanwhile, Wright was active throughout, hitting the post in the first half as well as having a goal correctly ruled out for offside in the second half.
It was a game of firsts. On top of Wright scoring his MLS first goal in his first start, 18-year-old Isaac Angking made his MLS debut for the visitors and 18-year-old James Sands made his first MLS start for the hosts.
Goals
- 71' - NE - Brian Wright | Watch
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The match has duel playoff implications. New England put themselves back in the race for the Eastern Conference's No. 6 playoff seed while NYCFC fail to gain ground on the New York Red Bulls or Atlanta United for a first-round bye.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: A great time for his first, Wright's goal was the night's decisive moment.
.@brianwright777 scores his first @MLS goal!#NERevspic.twitter.com/bZRgx38SdG
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 6, 2018 - MAN OF THE MATCH: Wright nearly had a hat-trick despite his side seeing so little of the ball-- it was an efficient night for the match-winner.
Up Next
- NYC: Saturday, Sept. 8 vs D.C. United (4:55 pm ET | Unimas — Full TV & streaming info)
- NE: Saturday, Sept. 15 at LAFC (10:30 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info)
