BRONX, N.Y. — Squandering a 1-0 first-half lead, New York City Football Club (NYCFC) conceded goals in the 85th minute and the seventh minute of stoppage time — two goals in 12 minutes — to continue a miserable start to the 2024 MLS season, falling 2-1 to the Portland Timbers on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
“We have to show a little more leadership and more control of the game,” NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing said. “We need to be a little more braver with the ball.”
Evander Da Silva stunned New York in the 97th minute with the match tied, curling a right-footed effort from the left half-space outside the box — roughly 22 yards out — over NYCFC keeper Matt Freese and into the right side-netting of the goal.
EVANDER GOLAZO AT THE DEATH WINS IT FOR @TIMBERSFC! 😱 pic.twitter.com/goszxC2pcl
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 9, 2024
The wonder strike capped off a remarkable comeback that saw Portland overcome a first half in which NYCFC dominated it, grow into the match in the second half, and find an equalizing tally with five minutes to go in normal time. Antony cannoned a first-time shot near the penalty spot off a low cross from the right end line by Juan Mosquera into the roof of the goal.
“When you give these guys like Evander and Antony time on the ball, they’re going to create moments,” Cushing said.
The home-opening loss was the third straight defeat for NYCFC to start the season as they’ve now been outscored 5-1.
Santiago Rodriguez recorded the club’s first goal of the season in the 10th minute when he fizzed an effort with the outside of his foot from the right side of the box low and just inside the left post.
NYCFC’s Mounsef Bakrar was played through over the top just six minutes later, though his attempt to sneak the ball under Crepeau caromed off the armpit of the Portland keeper and behind for a corner.
It was one of nine shot attempts by NYCFC, four of which landed on goal, compared to Portland’s 2 attempts in the opening 45 minutes — a first-half display of domination that they ultimately would regret not capitalizing on better.
“I thought for 45 minutes, we were incredible,” Cushing said. “Probably the best 45 minutes we played in three or four years: high intensity, really aggressive with them without the ball, five, six, seven chances. We had to put them away. We have to execute better.”
