New York City FC and FC Cincinnati played to a 4-4 draw at Yankee Stadium on Apr. 23, with both teams exchanging leads in a high-scoring Major League Soccer match.
The result leaves both sides with a point after an eventful game that saw late goals dramatically alter the outcome. The match was significant for New York City FC as they sought to climb the Eastern Conference table and return to winning form.
Nicolás Fernández Mercau scored twice for New York City FC in the first half, giving his team a 2-1 lead at halftime. Agustín Ojeda extended the lead early in the second half before Kévin Denkey pulled one back for Cincinnati with his second goal of the night. Talles Magno appeared to secure victory for New York City FC with a fourth goal, but stoppage-time strikes from Andrei Chirila and Evander—who converted a penalty—ensured that Cincinnati earned a point on the road.
Head Coach Pascal Jansen named an unchanged lineup from their previous game against Charlotte FC. The home side created several early chances but only found their breakthrough when Fernández Mercau capitalized on an error by Cincinnati’s goalkeeper Roman Celentano in the 20th minute. Despite efforts from both teams throughout the first half, it was Fernández Mercau who restored New York City’s advantage just minutes after Denkey’s equalizer.
In the second half, Ojeda increased New York City’s lead before Denkey again reduced it following confusion inside the box during a set piece. Substitutions by Jansen led to Talles Magno scoring what looked like a decisive goal, but late pressure from Cincinnati resulted in two goals during stoppage time.
Looking ahead, New York City FC will face CF Montréal next on Saturday, April 25.
