Metro keeps road lead, beats Vancouver 1:0
September 3, 2016
It seemed like a script we know so well. Metro with a late lead on the road, but the opponents are attacking. A cross sent into the box, an attacker gets on it for a point-blank header... More points lost?
Not tonight, for tonight the goat horns were worn by Vancouver's Erik Hurtado. He poorly-trimmed striker missed numerous chances, including that last-minute one that would have tied the game. Instead, for the second straight week, Metro won 1:0 on a Bradley Wright-Phillips goal.
International absences of Kemar Lawrence and Sacha Kljestan meant that Sal Zizzo started at left back for the first time in his Metro career, and Dax McCarty made his return from injury to slot into midfield.
The first half was very un-Metro-like, as Vancouver controlled the play. Thankfully for New York, the home team had Hurtado (who turned into the 1999 version of another Hurtado, "El Tanque") as their target man. He blew numerous clear opportunities, including two breakaways. Luis Robles came out to force the shot wide on the first. The second one missed the net as well.
Another attempt came off a Metro set piece, with most of the team caught upfield. Sean Davis misjudged a goal kick that sailed into the Metro area, whiffing on a header. Thankfully, the midfielder raced back into the box to push the ball off an attacker's foot at the last minute.
The lone goal came in the 50th minute. Felipe sent in a ball to BWP, who lost it for a moment. Fortunately, a defender's clearance went right at the English striker. Wright-Phillips regained his composure, powered through the box, and slotted it home.
Metro held on the rest of the way, with only Hurtado's late chance threatening the visitors. It wasn't pretty, that's for sure, but considering this team's road form, you have no choice but to take it.
Thanks, Hurtado!
Lineup: Robles, Zizzo, Collin, Zubar, Duvall, McCarty, Martins, Davis, Grella, Muyl, Wright-Phillips. Subs: Royer, Damari, Veron.
|
