Soccer can often be a cruel game, and tonight was a perfect illustration of that. NYCFC created plenty of chances, but couldn't quite put one away. Portland, on the other hand, were able to make one of their opportunities count.
The difference in this match was the finest of margins, but sometimes that's just how it goes.
Despite playing their second game in four days, Patrick Vieira's men looked fresh. Playing with their trademark heart and energy, they rebuked notions of the trials of a double game week late in the season and put in the kind of work they've become known for.