Finally Beaten

At the 15th time of asking, NYCFC finally tasted defeat after an incredible unbeaten run.

Not since the 4-0 in Toronto at the tail end of March have City been bested but that streak came to an end in the Bronx against the Portland Timbers.

A goal off a set-piece in the first half from Sebastian Blanco was the difference on a night where a shorthanded NYCFC side still managed to create more goalscoring opportunities than their opponents, despite fatigue and a number of players unavailable through international duty and injury.

Steve Clarke in the Portland goal was the busier of the two goalkeepers but there no way past him, despite a spirited second half effort from the home team.

There was no doubt this was a strong and professional road performance from the Timbers but NYCFC were definitely good value for a point on the balance of play and were a little unlucky to end the night empty-handed.