The start, and the finish, of Kennedy Igboananike’s goal vs. New York City FC on Sunday tells you all you need to know about the Nigerian’s current confidence levels.
An innocuous NYCFC goal kick just three minutes out of halftime was quickly turned into Chicago’s second goal of the match, as David Accam turned up the pressure on Frédéric Brillant to dispossess the French defender. Much like his teammate Razvan Cocissaid of his own scoring scenario, Igboananike's pre-match preparations gave him the belief that his time would come vs. NYCFC.
“Before the game we already practiced that situation, we know that they’re going to keep doing it,” Igboananike said of the play. “We were like, when the chance comes we’re going to punish them for that.”
As he watched Accam create the turnover, Igboananike promptly darted into position near the penalty spot, where he confidently struck a one-time ball past NYCFC’s last line of defense. It was Igboananike’s 10th goal across all competitions since joining the Fire prior to the start of the 2015 season.
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With a full year of MLS experience under his belt, the striker has become a valuable asset in head coach Veljko Paunovic’s adaptable tactical setups. After starting the match on the wing, Igboananike also proved interchangeable with Arturo Alvarez through much of the first half, playing a central attacking role beneath Gilberto. Following halftime, he paired with Accam in a two-striker system.
“I think he’s doing great, he’s very committed to the style we want to play,” Paunovic said. “What I’m very happy about is he’s scoring goals, he helps the team defensively and he’s very important. He’s an experienced guy who knows how to deal with the locker room.”
Igboananike’s versatility could again be key Friday at Orlando City SC (6 p.m. CT, UniMás) as the Men In Red monitor the availability of Gilberto, who nursed a leg strain throughout the week, and John Goossens, who has rejoined the team after this week’s trans-Atlantic travels to finalize his work visa.
However he is deployed, Igboananike can enter the match brimming with confidence after a strong first outing and facing an Orlando City SC side against which he scored three goals in four matches last season.
“I feel like, now I’m in the league,” Igboananike said. “I feel like, OK, this is what I belong to and I can give it my all. I feel like every game I can just go give everything, defensively, offensively, just go and give it all.”
