New York City FC vs. Chicago Fire: What We Learned Our Coverage Sponsored by Stribling and Associates
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Here are Four Things We Learned from New York City FC's Week 11 draw against the Chicago Fire:
1. Down, but Never Out
New York City FC trailed the Chicago Fire 2-0 after 27 minutes during Friday's match. The Club was also relegated to 10 men following a red card to defender RJ Allen.
Despite the early adversity, New York City FC never folded. Mehdi Ballouchy's late goal in the first half helped give the Club momentum heading in the locker room and it carried over into the second 45 minutes as rookie Khiry Shelton found the back of the net for the first time in his career, tying the game in the 91st minute.
"Being down 2-0 and to come back and tie it is incredible," Ballouchy said. "When we talk about expansion teams, I think one of the uphill battles is the togetherness and fighting for each other. Sometimes it takes a long time and I don't think that it took long for this team. You see the way that we fight our butts off for each other and we made the comeback."
2. This Team Has Heart
Jason Kreis referred to it as "one of the more special moments" of his career. Trailing 2-0 and down a man, New York City FC rallied to earn a 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire.
The tie snapped a four-game losing streak and helps the Club move in the right direction.
"To be two goals down and a man down for as long as we were and to come back and draw shows what kind of character this group has," Kreis said. "I'm very hopeful that this is set as a sort of a landmark for our group so that they understand that they can get results if they're willing to do whatever it takes. I need them to understand and believe that we're good enough if we work that hard."
3. David Villa Leads by Example
New York City FC captain David Villa was instrumental in both goals on Friday evening. It was his shot on goal that was rebounded home by Ballouchy just before the end of the first half. It was also Villa's deft touch and skill while surrounded by defenders to find an open Shelton to his left for the match-tying strike in stoppage time.
"The effort that David and everyone showed tonight was big," Shelton said.
"David took a beating for us tonight and I don't think he's ever had that in his career," Ballouchy said. "He's used to playing a role and getting the ball at his feet and to play target man with two center backs kicking him for that ball and staying positive while leading us ... he's incredible."
4. Goals Build Confidence
Kreis has been there. Major League Soccer's first 100-goal scorer has been through droughts, so he knows what Shelton had experienced through his first nine matches in the league as the rookie had yet to find the back of the net.
That all changed in stoppage time as Shelton's late goal capped New York City FC's rally and provided the Club with a valuable point.
"I've been in Khiry's shoes, so I can say this with a lot of clarity and a lot of belief: I think that goal can put him to the next level," Kreis said. "I think that's what he needed. I'm quite certain that's going to mean a lot for his confidence and that's what he needs right now because he has got sky-high potential, but he's still a young player."
"It definitely builds confidence," Shelton said. "I still have a lot of stuff to work on and I know that going forward it will be big for me."
