New York City FC secured a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. The match saw Andrés Perea score in the first half to level the game after Jacob Shaffelburg put Nashville ahead early. Substitute Agustín Ojeda provided the assist for Alonso Martínez, who scored the winning goal in the second half.
Nashville started strong, nearly scoring within the first minute when Jacob Shaffelburg set up Sam Surridge, but NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese made a key save. Nashville took the lead in the tenth minute as Hany Mukhtar assisted Shaffelburg, who finished low past Freese.
New York City responded with several chances, including an effort from Maxi Moralez that was saved by Joe Willis and a volley from Nico Fernández Mercau that went just wide. The equalizer came in the 40th minute when Perea dribbled past two defenders and struck a powerful shot beyond Willis.
A weather delay paused play before halftime, which ended with both teams tied at one. In the second half, NYCFC pressed forward with Martínez making dangerous runs behind Nashville’s defense. Head Coach Pascal Jansen brought on Ojeda for Hannes Wolf in the 64th minute.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Ojeda drove down the wing and sent a low cross into the box for Martínez to finish from close range. Later substitutions included Julián Fernández for Moralez and Seymour Reid for Martínez as NYCFC looked to secure their lead.
Freese made important saves late in the game to deny Josh Bauer and manage shots from distance. Fernández had an opportunity to add another goal but missed narrowly. New York City held on through stoppage time without conceding further chances.
The team will next face FC Cincinnati on Saturday, August 23 at 7:30PM ET.
