NPSL: Road Test on Tap for Boston City

By Greg Johnstone
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: May 6, 2017

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

Following a draw at home against the rival New York Cosmos B, Boston City FC hits the road for their first away fixture of the 2017 season Saturday at 2 PM against the New York Athletic Club.

The Lions are searching for their first victory of the season, after a hard-fought 1-1 draw rival New York Cosmos B last Saturday. However, Boston City left the match wondering if they should’ve taken all three points.

Reigning NPSL Golden Boot winner Nana Addai made a great first impression with the club, assisting striker Jhonata Batista on a goal 11 minutes into the match. Cosmos B responded shortly thereafter, with Christian Thierjung chipping in the equalizer six minutes later. The 1-1 score would hold for the remainder of the game, but not without Paulo Henrique and Homero Morais having long shots coming close to breaking the tie, but being denied by the woodwork.

“I think the nerves showed a little bit and 1-1 is not a terrible result against the Cosmos but I don’t care which team we play, I think we have a good enough squad to beat anyone” said Boston City captain Ronaldo Vieira.

Meanwhile, Saturday will be the opening match for New York Athletic Club, who are hoping to rebound after a tough 3-8-5 season in 2016, which resulted in an 8th place finish in their 9-team division.

A Boston City victory this weekend would not only be the first win over New York Athletic Club, but would be the first time the Lions scored against their division rivals from the Big Apple. Last season, New York Athletic Club won the first-ever meeting between the squads in Malden, 2-0, and then held the Lions to a scoreless draw at Travers Island.

Despite their history, Boston City FC is setting their sights on nothing short of coming back from New York with three points and their first win of the 2017 season.

“We created many chances against [New York Athletic Club] last season and did everything except score, which was very frustrating,” said BCFC striker Jhonata Batista. “So now we have to build on a home draw against the former champions by coming home from New York with nothing less than a victory.”