New York City FC (NYCFC) of Major League Soccer defeated Westchester SC of United Soccer League One 5 to 2. A hat trick from Talles Magno and goals from Agustin Ojeda and Arnau Farnos, propelled NYCFC to victory. Westchester were without head coach George Gjokai after he was sent off during round 2. Westchester had two goals from open play from Daniel Burko and Kyle Evans, their first goals against an MLS team. It may not have been enough for Westchester in the match, but with a crowd of 5,145 in attendance, it was their first ever sell out and a new record for the largest sporting event ever attended in Westchester County, New York.
NYCFC fell in last year’s third round to eventual USL Championship winners the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, so they made sure to come out on the front foot against Westchester. It only took 14 minutes for Agustin Ojeda to get on the score sheet. Galloping through the midfield, Ojeda laid the ball off to Seymour Reid on the right, who played it back to Ojeda for the open shot and goal. After not scoring in regulation in the second round versus Vermont Green, Westchester responded rather quickly. Just a few minutes later, striker Daniel Burko got on the end of an inswinging corner kick. It was bundled over the line for good measure, but headed for goal nonetheless. The deadlock did not last very long as NYCFC retook the lead through a penalty conceded by captain Connor McGlynn. He went to ground in the area and managed not to make any contact with Talles Mango, who was on the ball, instead, Magno’s touch hit McGlynn’s arm and a handball was called. The penalty was scored by Talles Magno.
The goals kept coming as NYC would add a third goal from Mango assisted by Augstin Ojeda once again. Both players showed their class in the goal, Ojeda through his ability to receive and keep the ball in a tight space, and Mango made a brilliant flick to move the ball onto his left foot and shoot. Just before half time, they’d get a fourth from Arnau Farnos, assisted once again by Agustin Ojeda, who pulled a pass that went all the way across the box and found an unmarked Arnau Farnos waiting for it. His powerful, close range strike was no match for Westchester goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley making the half time score, 4 to 1 in favor of NYCFC.
The second half was a slightly different story as NYCFC had put the match out of reach, but Westchester still had a record crowd to show up for. Talles Mango would first send NYCFC into a frenzy as he completed his hattrick with an easy headed finish from a simple cross. He was left unmarked at the back post and made sure he wouldn’t miss. Westchester would get a second goal later on in the half as Connor McGlynn found Kyle Evans, who took an ambitious shot that managed to find the back of the net. Although clearly down and out, Westchester players and fans celebrated proudly.
After the match, Westchester assistant head coach Paul McGlynn praised his side for coming back in the second half. “We knew that we were pretty poor in the first half, and we just said we want to come out and win the 2nd half. We didn’t win it. We tied it, but at least we put in a bit of a better performance together.”
The match had been billed as a derby, but what did both head coaches think? NYCFC’s supporter groups filled entire sections at Memorial Park. The 914 Infantry was also well represented. Was this really the beginning of a rivalry? Both head coaches had their say. “No, I saw from the moment I arrived here, everybody was excited. People at this club were all so happy that they were playing against us because we have a lot of fans in this region. It was great for them to see us play, and have the local club play against us. I hope they enjoyed themselves. But for us, getting through to the next round was the priority.” said NYCFC head coach Pascal Jenson. “Not in the first half, but maybe in the second.” said Westchester assistant coach Paul Glynn. When asked about the sell out crowd, he went on to talk about the major accomplishments of the team. “It’s a community globe that’s gonna grow, grow, and grow. I think it’s just going to take a little bit more work within the community just to get more people in the stands, but I think that it’s happening step by steps.”
Westchester will turn their attention back to USL League One with their next match on the road this Saturday against Athletic Club Boise. Meanwhile, NYCFC will face Charlotte FC at home on Saturday. They will also keep their eyes on the New York Red Bulls and Pittsburgh Riverhounds as they will face the winner, potentially setting up a classic Hudson River Derby in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.
