NYCFC Players Hitting Nets in World Cup Qualifiers
Tommy Gilligan, USATSI

Although NYCFC was bounced out of the MLS Playoffs earlier than they envisioned, two of their players found the scoresheet in latest World Cup Qualifiers.

NYCFC had two players participating in qualifiers in two separate parts of the world for the World Cup being held in Russia in 2018. In the European theater, we had Maxine Chanot of Luxembourg, who played defense for NYCFC and was last seen being schooled by Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

His unsporting behavior yellow card in game one was followed by being part of the backline that witnessed a hat trick by Giovinco in a 5-0 rout that completed the New York City outfit’s departure from the postseason.

Chanot appeared motivated to make amends somewhere and playing for one of Europe’s minnows. In his 23rd game for the national team, he participated in a Group A match vs Holland. Down 1-0, Chanot hit a game-tying penalty just before the half. But Holland went on to win 3-1 over Luxembourg.

https://youtu.be/ayK6vNySj4o

In Port of Spain, Ronald Matarrita tallied the second and final goal for Costa Rica in their 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. Matarrita joined NYCFC in January after four seasons with Alajuelense. He scored in his debut versus the Chicago Fire.

https://youtu.be/rtr_ouGdKd0

Tony Taylor did not  see action for his home country Panama. He was an unused substitute but got to enjoy a Panama 1-0 upset over Honduras. Though Taylor has played for the United States U-20’s and the Olympic -23’s, his parents, both Panamanian, allows him to play for his national side.

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