A Win in New York!!!

NYCFC's narrow field at Yankee Stadium

Behind two goals from Gabriel Pirani (from two assists by Christian Benteke), DC United won their first game in 3 months on Saturday (August 30), defeating New York City Football Club (NYCFC) 2-1 in New York. DC had not won since May 31 against FC Cincinnati.

The game was played at Yankee Stadium, a home that NYCFC is scheduled to leave after next season. The dimensions force a narrow field, only 110 yards long by 70 yards wide (see field diagram above). Audi Field, by contrast, is 115 x 75 yards, FIFA's recommended dimensions.

DC's starting lineup and substitutions:

Forward: Peglow(Kijima, 58th) Benteke Pirani (Stroud, 84th)

Midfield: Servania (Enow, 66th) Peltola Hopkins (Antley, 66th)

Defense: Schnegg Rowles Bartlett Herrera

Goal: Barraza

DC had only 35% of the possession in the first half. Neither team had many shots; 5 for DC, 4 for NYCFC. Herrera tried to lob the keeper from midfield early but his shot landed on the roof of the net.

NYCFC's Justin Haak executed a give and go in the 19th minute and put a nice shot just inside the right post to give NYCFC the lead. DC definitely did not have the run of play. However, late in the half (43rd minute) a long throw from Schnegg into the box was headed back by Benteke to Pirani, who juked his defender and put the ball in off the right post from just outside the box. It was 1-1 at the half.

DC had a good stretch at the beginning of the second half, but then NYCFC took over possession. However, DC's defense stayed organized and held firm. In the 77th minute, Benteke got a ball at midfield and sent a perfectly weighted thru ball to Pirani, who clinically finished to the left side, putting DC up 2-1. DC's defense did not falter, and they came away with the win. Despite the large possession advantage, NYCFC only managed 9 shots (3 on goal for the game).

Benteke played back a little throughout much of the game, even dribbling the ball and distributing some. It definitely paid off for the second goal. The result left DC still unbeaten under new coach Rene Weiler. It was a welcome outcome for long-suffering fans.

DC returns home to play an international friendly against Mexico's Club America next Saturday, August 6 at 630pm at Audi Field. There WILL be a tailgate before the America game. Their next league game is also at Audi, on Saturday September 13 against Orlando at 730pm. That of course will have a tailgate as well.