NEW YORK – The Supporters' Shield leaders came to the Bronx fresh off winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the first step in their pursuit of three domestic annual trophies.
New York City FC welcomed that challenge, and battled Western Conference leaders FC Dallas punch for punch in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Yankee Stadium Saturday night.
Three points would have extended their home winning streak to six games and pushed NYCFC back atop the Eastern Conference. But for Andrea Pirlo, it was a point gained as NYCFC inch closer to a first-ever MLS Cup playoff berth.
“It was a tough game, it was very exciting,” Pirlo said. “We were playing a tough team at the top of the rankings right now. But I think it was a fair result in the end.”
Both sides threw caution to the wind and went for the win right until the final whistle. While he can lament conceding three more goals – now 52 on the season – NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira would rather concentrate on the conviction of his side to battle Dallas toe-to-toe.
“For us to take something from that game, we needed to be in our best and I think today we showed a lot of character because it was a really tough game for us,” Vieira said. “We created a few chances and we had a chance of course to win it at the end – to lose it as well. But I think the people at the stadium and in front of the TV would enjoy the game because it was a tough tempo and a good game of football.”
It was also a game where the younger NYCFC players shined. Jack Harrison broke out of a recent personal slump of six games without a point to assist on both goals. It marks the first time he's registered two assists in his professional career.
“I’m just trying to be a bit more unpredictable,” Harrison said. “Working with the coaches, watching tape and stuff on parts of my game I can do better going forward. I’m just trying to mix it up.”
And then there was Khiry Shelton, who came off the bench to score the late equalizer when he got on the end of a sublime Harrison cross in the 78th minute.
“Today [Khiry] was a late sub, but he may start the game on Friday,” Vieira said. “It’s all going to depend on how hard and how well he will be working during the week, but I’m really happy with Khiry. Every time he comes on, he brings some energy, he brings some things to the team and that’s what I want from a sub.”
