The NYCFC has weathered the early season injury to David Villa well, thanks to dynamic 24-year-old goal scorer Ismael Tajouri-Shradi. The NYCFC side is off to a blistering start with three wins against no losses — and one tough 2-2 draw against the New England Revolution. But it’s that draw more than than the wins that perhaps shines the best light on Tajouri-Shradi and the NYCFC future. Tajouri-Shradi scored both goals in the match, in each case tying the game after his team had gone down a goal.
Those are the types of goals that champions muster. It’s worth noting that Tajouri-Shradi also scored a goal in the previous match, giving him three goals in two starts for NYCFC. It’s the kind of play that allows David Villa to take his time coming back from a strained calf, unless Villa is worried about getting the Wally Pipp treatment from Tajouri-Shradi. (Pipp was a baseball star who famously never reclaimed his position once Lou Gehrig took his place — and in Yankee Stadium too.) The Swiss-born Tajouri-Shradi was named to the MLS Team of the Week presented by Audi. PS: Today, March 28, is the young winger’s 24th birthday. He scored those goals when he was just 23. NYCFC has reason to celebrate.