February 27 marks the birthday of NYCFC’s Maxi Moralez. Today, we count down his five most memorable moments in New York City.
February 27 should be a holiday in New York. It’s New York City F.C.’s star playmaker Maxi Moralez’s birthday. The Argentinian turned 32.
Moralez has been one of the most important players in New York’s first five years in the MLS. He racked 17 assists and 14 goals in 61 appearances for the Bronx based team and was selected as the club’s Most Valuable Player last season.
On the spirit of his birthday, let’s take a look at Moralez’s five most memorable moments as a Cityzen.
5. His Man of the Match performance versus San Jose
If it wasn’t for Moralez, New York would’ve lost to San Jose Earthquakes on March 31, 2018. The ex Club Leon man notched a goal and an assist in a 2-1 victory.
Moralez set up Anton Tinnerholm for a cracking volley in the 50th minute. Tinnerholm’s goal leveled the scoring 1-1. The playmaker later found the net himself as he hit a low-drive slightly off a defender and in the net at the hour mark.
4. First goal and first assist in an NYCFC jersey in one game
Moralez netted his first goal and delivered his first assist for the Boys in Blue on March 11, 2017, in only his second game with them, a home match versus D.C. United.
The 32-year-old scored in the 39th minute, steering David Villa’s pass to the lower left corner of the net on a counter.
Later in the 75th minute, Moralez sent Villa on goal with a neat pass to the top of the box.
3. That high chip versus the Union
Tinnerholm was so happy Moralez assisted one of the best goals of his career that he returned the favor. Later on Oct. 31, 2018, the defender hit a sensational long pass to Moralez in a playoff match versus Philadelphia Union.
The midfielder let the ball bounce into the box before chipping a shot high in the air over keeper Andre Blake and in the net. This goal will remain one of Moralez’ most exquisite goal in an NYCFC jersey.
2. Moralez’ winner versus the Red Bulls
The former Atalanta player netted an 85th-minute 1-0 winner versus NYCFC’s rivals, the New York Red Bulls, ion July 8, 2018.
It was an easy goal. Moralez was open in the box, all he needed to do was hit a strong shot on target but this goal meant a lot for The Pigeons. NYCFC snapped a three-game winless run against their rivals with that win.
1. Moralez the barber
Once upon a time, there was a passionate New York City F.C. fan who tweeted this:
If Maxi Moralez ever scores a header I will shave #10 in the side of my head.
— Let’s talk about Six (@NYCLFC_) March 18, 2017
Moralez wears number 10 and standing at only 5-foot-3, headers are from being his specialty.
However, about six months after Matt’s tweet, the short midfielder scored a header against Houston Dynamo. Moralez wrote sorry under Matt’s tweet after scoring and made sure he was the one who shaved 10 on his head.
A haircut, a world-class chip, a winner versus his club’s crosstown rivals … the Big Apple has seen it all from the now 32-year-old.
