James Sands goal snatches point for NYCFC against Inter Miami

Lionel Messi could not do it on a Saturday afternoon in the Bronx.

New York City FC defended Messi & Co well enough to earn a 1-1 draw in front of 44,738 spectators at Yankee Stadium. That number didn't surpass the record-setting 48,047 fans who watched the first-ever New York edition of the Hudson River Derby in 2015, but the energy was still felt throughout the stadium from start to finish.

The traveling Inter Miami and Messi fans had something to cheer about in the 75th minute when the club's all-time leading goal scorer, Leo Campana, broke the deadlock in what looked to be the game-winning goal. But an impossible-to-predict James Sands goal in stoppage time – his first-ever for New York City– brought the crowd to their feet and stole a point from the best team in Major League Soccer.

Strong first half

After a disastrous first half in Wednesday's 1-5 loss to Philadelphia, New York needed to set the tone early against Miami.

In the 11th minute, Santiago Rodríguez nearly put NYCFC on the board with a free kick, blasting the shot off the post and Miami goalkeeper Drake Calldender's head.

Lionel Messi then nearly scored an Olimpico, which would have been one of the greatest goals scored at Yankee Stadium, but Matt Freese did well to catch the ball and avoid any further trouble.

Silky feet from Keaton ✨ pic.twitter.com/NMAFU5Cnpv

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 21, 2024

The Miami wave of momentum continued, with Messi playing a perfect pass to Luis Suárez, who one-two'd it with Julian Gressel before shooting it straight at Robert Taylor. The deflection fell right back to Suárez, who took a second shot, but Freese made an impressive kick save to keep the game level.

It remained scoreless at the break, but New York City were the much happier team, defending well throughout the first half.

Lionel Messi’s Yankee Stadium debut delivers — even if he doesn’t

The visit from Messi and his star-studded Inter Miami team felt like a transformative event, but what, if anything, will this spectacle do for the sport and for MLS in New York City?

Hudson River BlueAndrew Leigh

James Sands saves the day

The second half saw the game get more physical and intense, with Miami receiving five yellow cards – and an assistant coach earning a red card – in a tense five-minute spell. NYCFC's game plan was working: They were successfully frustrating the visitors, setting the stage to possibly steal all three points.

But a Miami goal against the run of play stuck a dagger in the heart of New York City and their fans — it looked like the impressive defending and locking down Messi & Co was ultimately for nothing.

The goal was well worked. Messi found Jordi Alba on the wing, and Alba did what he's so good at, playing the ball into the danger spot. Campana got on the end of the pass and easily tapped it in for the lead.

Going into this game, you would have Alonso Martínez, Maxi Moralez, Rodríguez, and Hannes World to provide the biggest scoring threats for New York City. But who headed home the equalizer for NYCFC in the dying seconds of stoppage time? James Sands, of course.

JAMES WITH HIS FIRST @MLS GOAL 🤩 pic.twitter.com/eqrMUBrgtb

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 21, 2024

It was the Guy from Rye's first career goal for NYCFC (but not his only First Team goal, as he was credited with a goal while on loan with Rangers FC in the Scottish Premiership ), and it couldn't have come at a better time for New York City. Rodríguez also picked up his fifth assist of the season and is now just one behind Tayvon Gray.

Lionel Messi = locked down

NYCFC headed into this game after suffering their worst loss since 2016. If this team allowed a team outside the playoff zone to score five goals at Yankee Stadium, how would they cope with a Supporters' Shield-leading Miami who led the league with 67 goals scored?

But New York City's defense and Sands locked down Messi from start to finish. Messi had a game-low FotMob rating of 5.8 as he was dispossessed five times, had just one successful dribble, and was limited to only one touch in NYCFC's box. As for Suárez, he had a game-low 37 touches, and was denied by Freese in the first half.

It was a surprise turnaround from New York's backline - every player chipped in and did their job all afternoon, earning a valuable point.

After the game, Kevin O'Toole spoke about what it was like to defend Messi.

Kevin O’Toole speaks on how it felt marking Lionel Messi and how today’s result affects next week’s rivalry game against the Red Bulls. #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/jjh9KPHh8p

— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) September 21, 2024

Captain Thiago Martins spoke on the team's defensive performance and the importance of rebounding after the Philadelphia loss.

Thiago Martins speaks on limiting Miami’s offense, the Red Bulls next week, and the mood of the team heading into the final stretch of the regular season. #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/aBNFL2Kfkp

— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) September 21, 2024

It won't get any easier for New York City, though, who slipped in the Eastern Conference table to Seventh Place after Charlotte FC defeated New England Revolution 4-0. NYCFC will next play the Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Saturday in the final Hudson River Derby of the season.

With the regular season coming to a close, a win for either side could determine their final spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The Red Bulls maintain a tenuous hold on Fourth Place with 44 points after 30 games, and they could be overtaken by Orlando City (43 points), Charlotte (41 points), and even New York City (41 points). There will be a lot to play for on Saturday in this high-stakes edition of the Hudson River Derby.