DC United Falls to New York City FC: Recap and Reactions

Rodríguez scored in the 20th minute and crossed for substitute Julián Fernández in the first minute of stoppage time in the second half. Since season-opening win over New EnglandUnited (2-3-4) have just managed home win over Montreal.

“That’s the slowest start we’ve had all year,” Lesesne said. “New York City credit: They were on top of us, and they deserved to go up by one, if they couldn’t find a second goal.” I can’t start a game like that.”

With just 16 players in uniform, four less than the maximum, Lesesne had few options to deal with the problems that were emerging.

“I don’t think so [the absences are] useful topic right now,” said Lesesne. “What I expect is that anybody in our group has to present the things we’re talking about, and they do. . This is the first time we haven’t done that. … If we have that kind of attitude, it doesn’t matter who’s on the field.”

Christian Benteke, who entered the weekend tied for the league lead in goals with six, was the big target of United’s direct play tactics. But the Belgian striker did not get much service in dangerous positions; on his only good chance, he missed an uncontested header from close range late in the first half.

With Yankee Stadium unavailable, United visited Citi Field in Queens for the first time. Neither place is suitable for football, but NYCFC (3-4-2) had to do while one stadium proposal after another fell apart. This week, however, the city approved plans for a 25,000-seat football stadium as part of a major development at Willets Point, next to Citi Field. The goal is to open in 2027. Mayor Eric Adams (D) and other city officials attended Saturday’s pregame ceremony.

United were under a lot of pressure in the first 10 minutes as the hosts ran wild before missing quality chances. NYCFC soon broke through on a windy counterattack. From his own end, Mounsef Bakrar sent Hannes Wolf free on the right. Wolf’s cross was met by Rodríguez for a neat one-timer past Alex Bono and into the far corner.

“That’s not how we usually start games,” midfielder Jackson Hopkins said. “Usually we start fast and outmatch the other team, and it was different today.

With NYCFC taking advantage of open space, Lesesne changed his formation.

“If you’re going to play a back three and you’re going to be aggressive in the way we hope to be aggressive, there has to be full commitment,” he said. “And it wasn’t.”

United went ahead late in the half, with Matti Peltola’s key winning ball. But on Jared Stroud’s cross, Benteke missed a clear header from 10 yards.

United’s vulnerability showed again early in the second half, but NYCFC were not off target, and Bono made a brilliant save on Agustín Ojeda.

United had a few dangerous – but incomplete – moments. Appeals against NYCFC to have the game postponed also failed. On the counter, Bakrar butchered a cross while alone in the box.

With time melting away, Rodríguez danced down the right and crossed to Fernández for a one-timer rising into the near post.

“We had some good attacks, but there weren’t too many positives to say about tonight,” Peltola said. “Especially after a loss like this, when you’re nowhere near the best you can be, you it’s always a good time to look in the mirror.”

Here’s what you know about United’s loss:

Due to injuries, suspensions and loans – and the exclusion of a player who has fallen out of favor – United only had five substitutes. Two were goalkeepers, leaving three outside options.

Mateusz Klich and Aaron Herrera were sent off for collecting five yellow cards. Ted Ku-DiPietro, Conner Antley, Steven Birnbaum, Russell Canouse and Garrison Tubbs were injured. Jeremy Gary (El Paso) and Hayden Sargis (Las Vegas) are on loan in the second flight of the USL Championship.

Even with the lack of players, left back Mohanad Jeahze (one appearance) did not travel. United has been trying to trade or move him.

Goalie Tyler Miller was in uniform for the first time since recovering from shoulder surgery last fall.

As part of complain about United’s preseason trip to Saudi Arabiathe team’s largest support group, the Screaming Eagles, said he raised $5,000 in donations for Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

All groups of fans stopped chanting and organized chants during the first four home games – the number of games United have played in Saudi Arabia. Equipped with a drum, a few dozen fans attended on Saturday.