On the surface, New York City FC actually had a pretty good first half against the New England Revolution. 68% possession, 10 shots — 6 of them on target. If you were just looking at the stat sheet without any visual aides whatsoever, one would think the numbers were indicative of a team that was having their way with their opponent and thoroughly outplaying them.
What those numbers wouldn’t tell you, however, was that NYCFC were chasing the game after conceding an early goal within the first five minutes of the game. And from there, the Revs went into a defensive shell to keep City from taking advantage of what often proves to be an oppressive homefield advantage at Yankee Stadium.