Much has been made of New York City FC’s high-priced attacking stars, such as David Villa, Mix Diskerud and the still-to-arrive Frank Lampard. But it’s NYCFC’s underrated defense that has exceeded all expectations, and has the expansion team unbeaten going into Saturday’s game at the Colorado Rapids.
That defense — filled with MLS journeymen making a fraction of what Villa and Lampard will earn — has allowed just one goal through the first two games, that a tough-luck 91st-minute deflection by Kaká in a season-opening 1-1 draw at Orlando. With Villa still settling into MLS, NYCFC may have to lean on that defense going across the country to the high altitude of Colorado.
“One of the challenges that I’m laying for the players is to set a foundation of who we are,” coach Jason Kreis said. “And for me, that starts with what are we willing and able to do defensively for each other. The guys’ level of commitment they put in on the defensive side was very good. That can be bad or good.
“It can be good because it makes me happy. But it can be bad for the players because now that’s the starting point. That’s what we’ll expect every week.’’
But can they? A back four of fullbacks Jeb Brovsky and Josh Williams and centerbacks Jason Hernandez and Chris Wingert (converting from left back) have jelled quicker than anybody had a right to expect. They have left goalkeeper Josh Saunders with little to do.
“In one regard, any time there’s an expansion team and we’re trying to learn each other’s tendencies, and gel as a unit on the fly, there’s going to be growing pains and ups-and-downs,’’ Hernandez said. “Luckily we put a lot of hard work in preseason and the guys we have as a defensive unit have played a lot of games in MLS, are battle-tested, guys that’ve been there before know what to expect.
“Jason and Claudio [Reyna, sporting director] made a concerted effort to bring guys who know the league, played games in the league and are tried and tested in MLS. That goes a long way for guys to understand what’s being asked of us.’’
What will be asked Saturday is to keep a clean sheet against a Rapids team that played to a scoreless draw in its opener against Philadelphia, with defender Alex Sjoberg dominant in the air as goalkeeper Clint Irwin posted a shutout.
Villa, who was invisible in the NYFC opener, adjusted to the physicality of MLS with a goal and assist in the 2-0 home-opening win over New England. Now he will have to adjust to other hurdles many foreign stars face here, lengthy travel and daunting weather, in this case the mile-high altitude and thin air of Commerce City, Colo.
“There is no issue there,” Villa said. “A good soccer player has to adapt to any scenario, any circumstances. Obviously the United States is a big country, but we will adapt in the best possible manner. We’ll get some good rest … and the same applies to Colorado. I’m sure the club will make the best arrangements.’’
Hernandez has played 220 MLS games, all but five of them for Western Conference teams San Jose and Chivas USA, which made regular trips to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“The air is thinner, the balls are going to sail, [but] you’ll get a second wind,’’ Hernandez said. “It’ll be a challenge for a period of the match; [but] as long as guys prepare, I think we’ll be just fine.’’