The game in 100 words (or less): New York City FC has slowly improved at home in its second year in MLS, and Saturday’s performance against the Galaxy showed just how far they’ve come. While the Galaxy looked stifled at times because of Yankee Stadium’s lack of width, NYCFC did an admirable job locking down the Galaxy attack over the 90 minutes. The visitors did have reason for frustration though, as NYCFC’s lone finish was offsides following video replay. David Villa notched the goal after Ronald Matarrita’s initial attempt was deflected inside the box. The result gives NYCFC 41 points and the Eastern Conference lead, while the Galaxy remain third in the West on 38 points.
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Three moments that mattered
6' — Villa gives home side early advantage — Frank Lampard went down in the penalty area just minutes before, but it was NYCFC’s captain that got the Yankee Stadium crowd on their feet early. Galaxy certainly had a case for offsides though...
Another Look: @Guaje7Villa puts #NYCFC up 1-0 here at Yankee Stadium! pic.twitter.com/AIADdOl4BZ
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) August 20, 2016
20' — De Jong’s bicycle attempt narrowly misses — The Galaxy were reluctant to get shots off with the NYCFC backline cutting down their chances, but the Dutch midfielder almost leveled the match in spectacular fashion in the first half.
Juuuuuust a bit outside. https://t.co/DkF0nMQS1L #NYCvLA pic.twitter.com/YedJFLcOQ2
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 20, 2016
71' — Keane squanders Saunders mistake — The NYCFC goalkeeper was way off on his judgement of the ball’s flight but Robbie Keane couldn’t find the open net.
Keano. So close. https://t.co/DkF0nMQS1L #NYCvLA pic.twitter.com/oY4mLdkKqL
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 20, 2016
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Man of the match: David Villa
Goalscorers: David Villa (6')