Date: 17 July 2023

Venue: Yankee Stadium

Attendance: 7,035

Final Score: New York City FC 2–1 Everton

A tough evening in the Bronx saw Everton narrowly beaten by NYCFC after a late penalty sealed a 2–1 defeat. Despite dominating possession and seeing Jordan Pickford put in a heroic shift, Gavin Jones' side couldn’t escape a frustrating result.

First Half: Early Drama & Defensive Grit 🧱

The match began with high energy and tension. NYCFC went down to 10 men just 14 minutes in after R. Gómez received a straight red card. It looked like the momentum would swing Everton’s way, but it was the hosts who struck first.

20’ | Goal – Maxi Moralez (NYCFC)

Moralez put NYCFC ahead with a stunning strike from 19 metres, rattling the post on the way in. It was a moment of class against the run of play.

Everton held more of the ball (52% possession, 90% pass accuracy) but failed to convert that control into shots on goal.

Second Half: Pickford Saves, Danjuma Strikes, But Late Heartbreak 💔

54’ | Penalty Saved!

NYCFC were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box, but Jordan Pickford guessed correctly to deny Juan Cabrera, diving low to his right.

79’ | Goal – Arnaut Danjuma (Everton)

A reward at last. Danjuma rifled in the equaliser after neat build-up play from James Garner, giving Everton hope of turning the game around.

But late heartbreak struck:

88’ | Goal – Julliani Gaari (NYCFC, Penalty)

A second penalty awarded to the hosts, and this time Gaari converted—sending Pickford the wrong way and clinching it for NYCFC.

Star of the Show ⭐️: Jordan Pickford

Despite the scoreline, Pickford was sensational:

6 shots saved

7.5 match rating

One penalty saved

Commanded his area and distribution was clean (93% pass accuracy)

He kept Everton in the match far longer than they deserved.

By the Numbers 📊

Other Standouts 📝

James Garner (7.2 rating): Picked up an assist and was solid throughout midfield.

Arnaut Danjuma (7.2 rating): Clinical finish for his goal and worked hard off the ball.

Amadou Onana (6.7): Broke up play and maintained 83% pass success.

Nathan Patterson (6.7): Covered ground well and created chances with overlapping runs.

From the Dugout 🎙️

Gavin Jones (Everton Manager):

“It’s a frustrating one. I thought we controlled the tempo, we passed well, and we had the better chances once they went down to ten. But credit to NYCFC—they took their moments. Pickford was brilliant, and Danjuma took his goal well. We’ll learn from it.”

Jordan Pickford (Player of the Match):

“I just tried to keep us in it. We didn’t deserve to lose, but sometimes it goes that way. We’ll bounce back.”

Fan Reactions 💬

@ToffeeTraveller:

“Pickford is keeping us alive in these games. Without him it’s 4–1. Need to sharpen up in attack!”

@NYBlueArmy:

“Red card, two pens, and we still beat them! What a win. Gaari is clutch!”

@EvertonEcho:

“That one hurts. Plenty of positives to take—Garner looked sharp, Danjuma found space, but those lapses at the back...”

Final Thoughts 🔚

A result that flatters the hosts but exposes areas Everton must tighten up. Gavin Jones will be encouraged by the shape and control his side showed—but disappointed in the late lapse that cost them the result.