The Leagues Cup run has ended for New York City FC, as they fell to Columbus Crew SC at Lower.com Field on penalties.
The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Alonso Martínez scoring in the very first minute, only to have that goal canceled out by a Cucho Hernández equalizer in the 41st minute.
Things were decided in Columbus's favor by a penalty shootout, the third time this Leagues Cup that NYCFC have had to settle things via spot kicks. Maxi Moralez and Santi Rodríguez each missed their kicks from the spot, while the Crew only missed once, with recently-acquired DeJuan Jones converting the final kick to hand the hosts the win and a spot in the Semifinals.
Now New York City will turn its attention back to its Major League Soccer regular season, which resumes against Chicago Fire on Saturday, August 24 at Citi Field in Queens. Before the focus shifts back to MLS, you should rate all the NYCFC players, Head Coach Nick Cushing, and referee Joe Dickerson.
• The honor of "fastest goal scored in New York City history" now belongs to Alonso Martínez, who moved up to nine goals scored in all competitions this season.
• Matt Freese had a big night, making five saves and helping NYCFC hold off the Crew after they dialed up the pressure following Martínez's first-minute goal.
The ratings form will remain open until 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 18. Results will be published on the morning of Monday, August 19.
You can read all of Hudson River Blue's Leagues Cup coverage here.
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