NYCFC’s depth is already being tested in 2025, with early injuries and suspensions forcing the squad to remain tactically flexible.
That challenge was front and center in the team’s 2-1 victory against the New England Revolution, where absences meant roster depth and player adaptability were on display in a tough matchup.
The game started on a frenzied note, with both teams playing aggressively. New England struck first in the 26th minute thanks to an own goal from Thiago Martins, putting the Revolution up 1-0. However, New York responded 12 minutes later, equalizing in the 38th minute with a counterattack started by Hannes Wolf and cooly finished off by Julian Fernandez.
In the second half, NYCFC took the lead in the 68th minute with an acrobatic scissor kick from Alonso Martinez. Despite a late push from New England, the Pigeons held on to get their second win of the year.
Although the Boys in Blue fought for another victory missing key players, team depth has been stretched early, with injuries and suspension forcing changes across the lineup.
Tayvon Gray and the previously mentioned Martins were both sidelined in the season opener against Inter Miami, leading to starts for Strahinja Tanasijevic and Mitja Ilenic. Justin Haak was shifted to center back when Birk Risa missed the Orlando City clash, and Kevin O’Toole’s red card suspension opened the door for Homegrown player Nico Cavallo until he picked up an injury against New England.
Midfielder Andres Perea and forward Malachi Jones have also been dealing with knocks, leaving NYCFC shorthanded. Though he was happy with the win despite injury setbacks, manager Pascal Jansen believes the team can still improve.
“I wasn’t quite satisfied with the [entire] performance in general. I thought we were too sloppy, losing the possession too fast, too quick,” Jansen said after the match. “I’m happy with the win because I told my guys there will be phases like this in games where we need to fight and stay together and try to grind and make sure we get the job done, and that’s what we did today.”
Given the team’s difficult start to the season, Jansen’s main goal is to keep his squad consistent in their style of play and mentality. Against New England, the Dutchman made the decision to bring on Risa and switch to a back three after Cavallo’s injury.
This tactical switch allowed City to better control the ball offensively, which gave them a better platform to push for the winner late in the second half.
Defensively, the Boys in Blue kept it tight through the middle, pushing New England out wide, goading them to break through the backline with crosses.
“The flow of the game, in possession, I thought we were too sloppy today,” Jansen said.
“The final part of the game was about making sure that we were organized as tight as possible because you know we’re also strong in the counter-attack [going forward] like you saw in the first goal that we made, so it’s also understanding what qualities you have in the squad.”
The defensive trio of Risa, Martins, and Haak ended the match with a combined amount of 16 clearances and 13 recoveries, showing that Jansen’s tinkering with the formation was a success.
Though the win was gritty, it emphasized how the team’s ‘bulletproof’ mentality has manifested itself on the field.
With players out with injuries, NYCFC has shown the willingness to adjust when difficulties arise. Jansen knows there is room for improvement as the squad gets deeper into the season. Finding consistency will be crucial as the club looks to climb the standings in the Eastern Conference.
City hopes to build upon the win on Saturday when it takes on the 2023 MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew in Ohio.
