NEW YORK – In a thrilling match on Saturday night, New York City FC triumphed over the New England Revolution with a final score of 2-1, thanks to goals by Alonso Martínez and Julián Fernández.
Martínez secured the victory for NYCFC in the 68th minute by capitalizing on a rebound. Following a shot by Keaton Parks that was deflected by the diving New England goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic, Martínez volleyed the ball brilliantly from the left-center of the box into the back of the net, ensuring his team maintained the lead.
New York City’s goalkeeper, Matt Freese, who last season played a key role in the team’s shutouts against the Revolution by making 11 saves across two games, managed two saves in this game.
New England, struggling with their form this season, went into the match without scoring any goals in prior games. They finally broke their scoring drought in the 26th minute, albeit inadvertently. NYCFC’s Thiago Martins unfortunately redirected a cross from Brandon Bye into his own goal, giving New England the lead with an own goal.
The equalizer for New York City came swiftly in the 38th minute. On a swift counter-attack, 21-year-old forward Julián Fernández latched onto a pass from Hannes Wolf and delivered a precise first-touch finish into the net from the edge of the six-yard box.
Ivacic, the Revolution’s goalkeeper, recorded two notable saves, including an impressive dive to stop a header by Parks after a corner kick executed by Maxi Moralez in the opening minutes.
Meanwhile, NYCFC’s Nico Cavallo, a newcomer defender to the MLS, enjoyed his first career start, filling in for the suspended Kevin O’Toole. His time on the field was cut short as he was replaced by Birk Risa in the 29th minute.
