HOUSTON -- Game management: That was the difference for New York City FC in Friday’s 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo, says New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira.
The game stats back up Vieira's claims.
New York City out-possessed Houston, 57 percent to 42, and out-passed the Men in Orange in the attacking half, 73 percent to 59, and in the final third, 72 percent to 58.
“We controlled the game and managed the game really well,” said Vieira. “Tonight we were really close to our best. I think we played some fantastic football. We dictated the game.”
While NYCFC dictated the game, it was David Villa’s brace that ultimately sealed the victory for the visitors. Villa's two goals raise his season total to 21 and puts him atop the MLS Golden Boot race.
“In training we give players the structure and then they express themselves and express their talent,” said Vieira on his striker’s brace. “[Villa] was really aggressive up front and closed them down and made it really difficult for them.”
Despite giving up the second-most goals in MLS this season, 53, New York City stymied the Dynamo offense on the night, good practice with the playoffs coming up.
Vieira added that his side didn’t allow the Dynamo any time on the ball but especially Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas, last week’s hat-trick hero for Houston. The goal was to prevent the midfield from getting the ball to the Colombian.
“That was the game plan,” said Viera. “We knew how good they were up front and we wanted to press them up high and for them to play it long.”
With the win, NYCFC jump to the top of the Eastern Conference with 51 points and two games remaining. Despite leading the Eastern Conference, the team isn’t thinking beyond the next game.
“We can’t feel like champions, even more so in this league because of the playoffs,” said Villa on his team’s chances to win MLS Cup. “We’re in the playoffs and we get to play in them for the first time in franchise history and it’ll be easier for us in the playoffs if we’re first [in the Eastern Conference].”
