After allowing a second goal from New York City FC, the Crew expected to settle for a draw and a single point. However, a late second-half goal resulted in a 3-2 defeat on September 17.
Defensive Struggles Highlighted
“As a group, we need to improve our defense,” said Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe. “Leaving without even one point after leading twice is disheartening. It’s on us to look in the mirror and find a way to defend better.”
Last-Minute Goals Change Outcome
New York midfielder Julian Fernandez sealed the game with a long shot just three minutes into the four minutes of stoppage time. Leading up to that moment, Hannes Wolf had contributed to New York’s comeback from two separate Crew leads.
Momentum Swings in Match
The Crew took the lead in the 37th minute with a penalty kick from forward Daniel Gazdag. This advantage was temporarily lost when Wolf equalized just before halftime. Abou Ali regained the lead for the Crew in the 60th minute, but Wolf’s second goal capitalized on a Crew turnover, resulting in another tie.
Coach’s Take on Defensive Issues
“We conceded three goals: one from a set piece and two due to turnovers during transition,” said Crew coach Wilfried Nancy. “We weren’t outnumbered; we had the advantage. We were punished for mistakes, which is the current reality for us.”
Defensive Woes and Team Standing
Despite winning their last game against Atlanta United, the Crew has allowed seven goals in their last two matches. This marks their highest number of conceded goals in consecutive games since Nancy’s tenure started. As the season nears its end, they sit two places lower in the Eastern Conference standings following their loss.
Looking Ahead
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Crew (13-7-10) need to strengthen their performance, particularly in defense. They will face Toronto FC on September 20 at Lower.com Field, aiming to regain their composure and improve their standing.
