Crooks: NYCFC Responding To Vieira, Playing At Top Of Its Game

By Glenn Crooks
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The needle was skipping on the vinyl of Patrick Vieira's post-match remarks. New York City Football Club was 1-3-3 and the Vieira doctrine remained consistent despite the lack of points. Vieira was not concerned.

"We create more than we concede," was Vieira's repeated mantra during what ended up being a seven-match winless skid. "I believe that we will get better. It is still early."

On Sunday, NYCFC (4-3-4) prevailed in its third consecutive match, winning at Providence Park in Portland, one of the most challenging venues in MLS. The Bronx Boys are one win from tying their 2015 mark with four triumphs away from home. Consequently, NYCFC is tied at the top of the Eastern Conference table heading into Wednesday's match in Ontario against fourth-place Toronto FC (4-4-2).

Tommy McNamara's second golazo of the season, a bending, dipping wrap-around in front of the Timbers Army, was the difference in the 2-1 victory over the MLS Cup defenders (3-6-3).

Vieira was gratified with the overall performance, but reserved his highest praise for the team tactics which strayed from the normal methods demanded by the manager. City was able to absorb pressure in the face of losing the battle for possession for the first time this season.

NYC held possession for 39 percent of the match. City had never seen a possession figure of less than 52 percent in any previous MLS match.

"Today, yes, we didn't have the possession, we didn't create as many chances as them, but we managed to take the three points. This is the balance we need to find," Vieira said. "There is some positives to take from this game; our character, our defensive organization and the quality of the team. I think we are showing we are getting better and better without the ball and that's a good sign for the rest of the league."

The plaudits were plentiful, led by Josh Saunders' three reaction saves and Jason Hernandez needing stoppage time for his postgame ice bath after blocking five Portland shots, including a Diego Valeri first-time follow on an empty net in the first half. The five blocks were a single-game high in MLS this season.

"Jason is one of our leaders in the back," Vieira said. "He is always positive and has really strong character."

Sunday's win was a character-building performance. It was a team-bonding encounter. It was won without creating more than conceding. It was completed despite 24 shots and 11 corners by Portland. It was achieved through maximum organization and effort on the defensive side with pure, timely finishing by David Villa and McNamara. It was the sort of match that New York City has failed to win in its nascent history.

I suggested last week that four points from the three game road sequence would be a grand accomplishment. In getting six points from the initial two away matches, City had solved many of its defensive frailties. The team can attain the lofty status of lone club at the top of the conference for the first time in club history with a win at BMO on Wednesday.

Throw-Ins

-- NYCFC has won three consecutive MLS matches for the third time since joining in 2015. The club has never won four straight.

-- Hernandez is tied with San Jose's Victor Bernardez for most blocks in MLS with 15. The rest of the team has just 13 blocks combined with Frederic Brillant (6) and Andoni Iraola (3) the only players to record more than one.

-- Both Vieira and Villa expressed admiration for the unique ambience created for soccer in the Rose City.

"This is the best atmosphere so far I have experienced," Vieira said. "When the anthem was going, the fans were fantastic and as a player you are looking forward to playing on this kind of stage. The players really enjoyed it today."

"Amazing. So far it is the best. The best in MLS in my opinion," Villa added. "It is unlucky for us that we play in the other conference. The atmosphere is amazing. Congratulations to Portland, to the Portland Timbers, to the fans because the atmosphere is amazing playing here."

-- Villa leads MLS with eight goals and if past statistics forecast the future, Villa will add to that tally on Wednesday versus Toronto FC. Since the beginning of the 2015 season, no player in MLS has scored more goals against a single opponent than Villa against Toronto. In three lifetime matches against the Reds, Villa has six goals with a brace in each match.

-- Forward Sebastian Giovinco, the reigning MLS MVP, has either scored or assisted on every one of the 13 goals converted by Toronto FC this season. Gio has four goals in four matches all-time against City, including a hat trick and assist in the wild 4-4 draw at Yankee Stadium last season.

-- NYCFC is unbeaten in four all-time contests against Toronto with two wins and two draws. The teams played to a 2-2 tie on March 13 at Yankee Stadium.

-- With Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore out six-to-eight weeks with a hamstring injury he suffered while taking a penalty kick (it was saved), he will miss his third match against City, including both this season. Altidore, who missed all but one match of the World Cup in '14 with a hamstring issue, has been ruled out for Copa Centenario this summer.

-- Frank Lampard worked through two full training sessions last week as he continues his recovery from a calf injury. According to Vieira, he could be available for selection on Wednesday and/or on Saturday in the #HudsonRiverDerby against the New York Red Bulls.

-- The Red Bulls host the Chicago Fire on Wednesday. The Fire have scored an MLS-low eight goals in nine matches, including three in their season opener against NYCFC.

For all things futbol, please follow Glenn on Twitter at @GlennCrooks