Monsef Bakrar’s struggles at New York City FC continued as the Algerian forward failed to make a decisive impact during his side’s 1-0 defeat to lower tier opposition in the US Open Cup.
Handed a rare start in the round of 16 clash against Pittsburgh Riverhounds, a club from the second tier USL Championship, Bakrar played the full 90 minutes but was unable to find the back of the net as NYCFC suffered an early exit from the national cup competition.
The 23-year-old striker, who has found opportunities increasingly limited in the 2025 campaign, managed three efforts on goal during the encounter, two of which were on target, but could not convert any into goals.
Despite facing opponents from a lower division, New York City’s attacking line failed to assert dominance, and Bakrar’s goalless run continued.
Bakrar’s current form mirrors a prolonged period of inconsistency that began last season. After initially joining the club with promise, he lost his regular place in the starting XI and ended the 2024 season with just four goals from 35 appearances
. The beginning of this year’s campaign has offered little improvement: eleven MLS games played, only four starts, and no goals to his name.
The limited game time and frequent early substitutions, often before the 60-minute mark, suggest diminishing faith from the coaching staff. Wednesday’s cup match was seen as a potential turning point for Bakrar, especially against theoretically weaker opposition.
However, despite a committed performance, the outcome failed to shift the narrative surrounding his season.
New York City’s elimination at the hands of Pittsburgh Riverhounds will also increase scrutiny on the squad’s depth and offensive options. For Bakrar, it was an opportunity to regain rhythm and confidence, but the continued goal drought has extended his frustration.
The defeat marks another low point in what has already been a difficult year for both the player and the club. NYCFC’s ambitions in the US Open Cup have come to an abrupt end, and attention will now shift back to the MLS, where results and attacking output have been inconsistent.
As for Bakrar, the challenge remains clear. With competition for attacking roles intensifying and faith from the technical staff appearing to wane, he faces a critical period if he is to re-establish himself as a central figure in the squad.
Whether he can rediscover his scoring touch and secure more regular starts in the league remains uncertain.
For now, the wait for a breakthrough moment in 2025 continues.
