New York City FC couldn’t break down D.C. United’s defensive block at Audi Field on Sunday evening, leaving both teams to settle for a 0-0 draw.
D.C. finished as the second team with zero shots (of any kind) during an MLS regular-season game. The New England Revolution also were held shotless during a Sept. 13, 2017 visit to Atlanta United, where they lost 7-0 as fueled by two first-half red cards.
Chris Seitz finished with four saves, and NYCFC couldn’t find a breakthrough while outshooting the hosts 19-0.
Left back Ronald Matarrita engineered two clear-cut chances in the first half, though Keaton Parks missed a back-post look in the 25th minute and Jesus Medina’s near-post effort went wide in the 26th minute.
NYCFC argued for a penalty kick in the 44th minute after Heber’s low cross hit Frederic Brillant’s hand, though Video Review didn’t overrule the on-field decision. NYCFC also had an apparent goal in the 88th minute through second-half substitute Gary Mackay-Steven, but Valentin Castellanos was whistled for a handball in the buildup.
Goals
- None
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: NYCFC are unbeaten in four games, but Ronny Deila's bunch must feel like points were left on the table. Manage greater sharpness in front of goal, and they’re leaving Audi Field with an easy victory. From a D.C. perspective, this draw included far more grit than finesse. They didn’t manage a single shot of any variety, opting for a low block in place of free-flowing offense.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Did NYCFC have a legitimate penalty-kick shout in the 44th minute? The ball struck Frederic Brillant’s hand, but head referee Ted Unkel and Video Review didn’t point to the spot after some deliberation.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: In a match with few highlights, D.C. goalkeeper Chris Seitz finished with four saves. It was also his second straight shutout in filling Bill Hamid's starting role.
Next Up
- DC: Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. New York Red Bulls (7:00 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)
- NYC: Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. FC Cincinnati (7:00 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)
