NYCFC, Worst Possible Start

It’s not for us to debate here whether or not Maxime Chanot deserved to be sent-off so early into the opening game of a new campaign, but there’s no question it distorted what had promised to be an entertaining encounter between two of the East’s most attractive teams.

Chanot made contact with Lucas Zelarayan and that was enough for Ramy Touchan to brandish the red card and put NYCFC instantly on the back foot.

Managing the game with a one-player disadvantage for more than 85 minutes, Deila will have been proud to see the heart demonstrated by his players, who refused to feel sorry for themselves, even when Zelarayan poured in the opening goal on 56’.

It was the earliest opening day red card in MLS history, but there would be no hasty conclusions drawn given the circumstances, and especially so soon after NYCFC earned their spot in the Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals.