By Miguel Rapetti
31 Jul 2024, 00:55 AM EDT
New York City FC (NYCFC) began its Leagues Cup journey on Tuesday by tying 0-0 against Querétaro of Liga MX in regular time and then earning the extra point after winning 4-3 on penalties, in a match played at Yankee Stadium.
Taking advantage of their home court, NYCFC tried to take advantage of Querétaro’s bad moment, who started with four losses in the same number of games since their debut in the Apertura tournament of the Liga MX, but they missed multiple goal opportunities that ultimately led to the match going to penalty kicks.
As for the match, Brazilian Talles Magno started with great enthusiasm and added the first touch of spice to the local NYCFC attack.
NYCFC also came close to creating danger from a set piece, and Justin Haak wasted a clear header from a corner in the 19th minute.
Even clearer was a header from Christian McFarlane in the 21st minute, but the scoring did not open either.
The New Yorkers dominated the game, moving the ball with judgement and speed and also quickly recovering the ball when pressing.
The Gallos Blancos left few flashes, taking refuge in the back and with few forays into attack.
New York City’s best chance came in the 42nd minute, when Argentine Julián Fernández missed a clear shot at the far post after a pass from his compatriot Maxi Moralez.
Goalless before the break, the script did not change after the restart with New York City, under Moralez’s leadership, controlling the match but failing to capitalise on their opportunities.
In Querétaro, Mauro Gerk made changes to the bench but the entry of Mexicans Pablo Barrera, Ronaldo Cisneros and Pablo Ortiz did not give his team any new arguments except for some isolated flashes of counterattack.
The home team’s attempts also decreased and the match ended goalless after a shot in the 87th minute by Costa Rican Alonso Martínez that grazed the post and a response from Cisneros in the 95th minute that also failed to find the net.
In the penalty shootout, Mexican Kevin Escamilla sent his penalty against the crossbar and goalkeeper Luis Barraza stopped Cisneros’ attempt to give New York City the additional point.
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