New York City FC lose 2-1 against Palmeiras at Florida Cup

New York City FC closed out their Florida Cup spell with another 2-1 loss against a Brazilian Serie A club, this time versus Palmeiras on Saturday afternoon after failing to maintain a lead.

In their second preseason match under new head coach Ronny Deila, NYCFC went ahead 1-0 in first-half stoppage time via a pair of U-19 academy forwards. Andres Jasson, who played for the US at the FIFA U-17 World Cup last fall, whipped in a cross that found the head of Osaze De Rosario, son of MLS legend Dwayne De Rosario. He beat Felipe Melo to the penalty spot and nodded home.

A young NYCFC team was then punished in the second half, starting with a deflected equalizer from Palmeiras forward Lucas Lima in the 53rd minute that evaded reserve goalkeeper Luis Barraza. Palmeiras found their match-winner in the 73rd minute via veteran forward Willian, who capitalized on a turnover at the back from James Sands, an NYCFC Homegrown Player.

Of concern for NYCFC fans, Maxi Moralez was subbed off in the 6th minute for Jasson. But the performance was also a step forward after Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat against Corinthians, with far more first-team regulars featuring. 

Deila started a first-choice defensive unit, including right back Anton Tinnerholm, left back Ronald Matarrita and Alexander Callens and Maxime Chanot centrally. Alexander Ring and Keaton Parks both started in midfield, as did Alexandru Mitrita up top. However, the attack isn’t yet at full strength with Heber, Valentin Castellanos and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi all absent.

Ahead of NYCFC's Concacaf Champions League debut Feb. 20 at Costa Rican side AD San Carlos, they’ll now head out to California. They’ll face LAFC in a closed-doors friendly Jan. 31, and then another against a to-be-named opponent.