HOUSTON -- Game management: That was the difference for New York City FC in Fridayās 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.
āWe controlled the game and managed the game really well,ā said Vieira. āTonight we were really close to our best. I think we played some fantastic football. We dictated the game.ā
While NYCFC dictated the game, it was David Villaās 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.
āIn training we give players the structure and then they express themselves and express their talent,ā said Vieira on his strikerās brace. ā[Villa] was really aggressive up front and closed them down and made it really difficult for them.ā
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 didnāt allow the Dynamo any time on the ball but especially Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas, last weekās hat-trick hero for Houston. The goal was to prevent the midfield from getting the ball to the Colombian.
āThat was the game plan,ā said Viera. āWe knew how good they were up front and we wanted to press them up high and for them to play it long.ā
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 isnāt thinking beyond the next game.
āWe canāt feel like champions, even more so in this league because of the playoffs,ā said Villa on his teamās chances to win MLS Cup. āWeāre in the playoffs and we get to play in them for the first time in franchise history and itāll be easier for us in the playoffs if weāre first [in the Eastern Conference].ā