Jonathan Shore’s game-tying goal in the final minute of second-half stoppage time salvaged a much-needed point for New York City FC and a 2-2 draw with host Orlando City on Saturday night.
After New York City worked the ball into the box, trying for one last-ditch chance, James Sands crossed the ball back in front of the net and Shore fired a shot through traffic and past Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau’s reach.
New York City FC (8-12-11, 35 points) fell short of a victory for the 13th time in their last 14 league matches despite Shore’s heroics and fell closer to the brink of elimination. NYCFC trails cross-city rival New York Red Bulls by four points for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth with three matches remaining.
Martin Ojeda recorded a goal and an assist, and it was nearly enough for Orlando City (12-13-6, 42 points) to keep their two-point cushion ahead of FC Cincinnati, who also won on Saturday.
Orlando does have the tiebreaker, but is tied on points for seventh place in the Eastern Conference instead of two points ahead of Cincinnati.
Ojeda’s pinpoint strike from close range in the 49th minute put Orlando City ahead 2-1 and was his club-record 50th across all competitions and team-leading 16th of the season.
New York City could have tied the match in the 81st minute after Talles Magno drew a foul in the box from Orlando’s Wilder Cartagena. But Magno missed his ensuing penalty kick wide left.
Antoine Griezmann tied the match at 1 in the 32nd minute when he headed a ball past New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese off a long-distance, looping cross from Ojeda.
New York City felt the frustration in the 39th minute as well after appearing to take a 2-1 lead. But a would-be goal by Nicolas Fernandez was nullified by an offside call.
Alonso Martinez tapped home a rebound in front of Orlando’s goal in the 18th minute to give New York City a 1-0 edge.
–Field Level Media
