Gary Mackay-Steven (left) assisted on NYCFC’s lone goal. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)
ORLANDO — New York City FC finished the Florida Cup winless as it dropped a 2-1 decision to Palmeiras on Saturday afternoon.
NYCFC lost by the same score to Corinthians on Wednesday.
After NYCFC Under-19 Academy forward Osaze De Rosario gave City the lead two minutes into first-half stoppage time, Willian struck twice in the second half to propel the Brazilian side.
In contrast to Wednesday’s match, head coach Ronny Deila named a more familiar looking Starting XI, naming 10 regular starters along with De Rosario.
Midfielder Maxi Moralez was forced out of the match in the sixth minute. It was not known what his condition was.
Gary Mackay-Steven set up De Rosario’s goal, beating a defender and threading a ball through to Andres Jasson. Jasson dipped a shoulder and left his marker behind, before swinging in a cross to De Rosario, who headed home into the top corner of the net.
Deila made nine halftime changes. Juan Pablo Torres was one of those summoned from bench and the young American almost marked his appearance with a golazo of his own after he sat a defender and struck for goal as his shot travelled just outside of the post.
Palmeiras levelled in the 55th minute when a deflected ball fell for Willian to finish. Willian was at it again in the 73rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error and clipping a volley past the onrushing goalkeeper, Luis Barraza.
NYCFC returns home to New York for two days break, before traveling to Santa Barbara from January 21-30.
