After months of criticism, Monsef Bakrar has finally found the back of the net this season, reaffirming the trust New York City FC continues to place in him. The Algerian forward scored his first goal of the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign during Sunday’s match against the Chicago Fire.

Bakrar, now in his third season with NYCFC, has had a rough stretch recently, often criticized for his finishing. However, he remains a key part of the squad and continues to receive support from teammates and fans alike. That support was on full display as soon as he scored — his first in MLS this year — with many of his teammates showing immediate encouragement on the field.

The 24-year-old, who hails from Sétif, started the game on the bench but entered at the beginning of the second half. Just twelve minutes later, he capitalized on a defensive lapse by a Chicago side already down to ten men. With smart positioning, Bakrar slotted home the equalizer to level the score at 1-1.

New York City FC, a club owned by the same group as Manchester City, went on to seal the win with two more goals, closing the match at 3-1. While Bakrar only registered one shot the entire game, it turned out to be decisive. He also played a pivotal role in the buildup to the second goal, carrying the ball from deep in his own half to launch the attack.

With this performance, Bakrar may have turned a corner in what has so far been a challenging season. His contribution goes beyond just goals — his movement and involvement in key moments continue to make him a valuable asset for NYCFC.