New York City FC did a phenomenal job frustrating Sporting KC on the road in the team’s season openers. Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s 2-0 win.

The opening weekend of Major League Soccer couldn’t have ended any better for New York City FC, picking up three points away from home while it’s competition in the Eastern Conference struggled. Sporting KC’s offense was left discouraged after countless unsuccessful attempts to get past NYCFC’s back line, and Patrick Vieira’s side ultimately ran out comfortable victors.

Here are three things we learned from the 2-0 win.

3. Ben Sweat will compete for NYCFC’s starting LB spot

It shocked many, including myself, that Costa Rican full-back Ronald Matarrita was left out of the starting XI. The 23-year-old held the spot down for the majority of last season and proved why he should. Matarrita’s pairing with Rodney Wallace was quite productive, allowing both players to get forward without sacrificing defensive stability and security. So seeing Wallace in the XI without his fellow international behind him certainly raised a few eyebrows.

GOAL MEDINA pic.twitter.com/MuSSjCZPTD — New York City FC (@NYCFC) March 5, 2018

Nevertheless, Ben Sweat proved he is able to put in the work going forward just as well as Matarrita can. The American shot down the left side of the field in a 53rd minute counter attack. Sweat found newcomer Jesús Medina’s run into the box with a wonderfully timed and placed pass, helping the Pigeons double their lead.

It was a good performance from the new-contract signing, who had penned a new deal in the offseason after previously having been with Columbus Crew before being waived in 2015, and it hinted that he will compete with Matarrita for the starting role as the season continues.