D.C. United and New York City FC battled to a scoreless draw Wednesday, thanks to Luis Barraza’s five saves for D.C. and Matt Freese’s two for NYCFC.
This was Barraza’s sixth career start with D.C. United. He earned his first clean sheet, marking the team’s second consecutive scoreless game. With Christian Benteke (six goals) injuring his ankle in the 20th minute, D.C. United (3-6-4, 13 points) was forced to play with fewer players.
Despite creating numerous scoring chances, New York City FC’s offensive struggles persisted, resulting in a goalless draw against D.C. United.
Benteke’s absence left D.C. United had few chances against New York City, where goalkeeper Matt Freese made two saves to secure his fifth clean sheet of the season.
Freese brilliantly saved a right-footed drive from Rida Zouhir with a sprawling stop in the 66th minute.
David Schnegg had a point-blank shot from a corner kick in the 79th minute, but Freese dove to make another save.
Five saves by D.C. United’s goalkeeper, Luis Barraza, thwarted his ex-team, whom he’d played for over the past six seasons.
Ten days after a 1-0 victory over Eastern Conference leader FC Cincinnati, NYCFC had a disappointing night, hampered by midfielder Keaton Parks’ injury.
The game also recorded NYCFC had more shots on goal than D.C. United, 17-5, and nine corners to four for D.C.
New York City experienced consecutive 1-0 losses last week, one of which was against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the U.S. Open Cup. Open Cup. NYCFC suffered an upset loss to CF Montreal, giving the last-place team in the Eastern Conference their first win.
A draw left the teams with identical 3-3-3 records across their last nine games, maintaining an even standing. Despite their contrasting fortunes, the teams have reached a series standoff.
Over the past nine years, New York City has qualified for the MLS playoffs eight times, while D.C. has not qualified for the postseason since 2019.