New York City FC head coach Nick Cushing was disappointed in his team’s loss to FC Cincinnati on Saturday night but prideful of his team’s effort during the rough international break. The team missed key players like Monsef Bakrar and Tayvon Gray to international duty, while Keaton Parks was suspended following a red card in the previous fixture. Still, the team came close to grabbing a point against the reigning Supporters Shield winners but fell short to league MVP Luciano Acosta.
“I know the spirit and the desire the group has,” said Cushing after the game. “I know the quality level that is improving and the level that the team can bring. We came here last year and we were well beaten. And we came not getting anything tonight. (We) could have got something or should have got something.”
Goalkeeper Matt Freese kept the game close, making key saves throughout the match. Santiago Rodriguez also nearly scored for City but great defensive stops by the Cincinnati keeper kept the clean sheet and doomed the visitors to their fourth loss in five games this campaign. Players like Julian Fernandez, Hannes Wolf and Andres Perea haven’t clicked yet with the offense to contribute in the final result.
“We had no real recognized striker on the roster today to pick from. So to come to a difficult place like this and to take the game, to be in the game to the end, I think it’s a testament to where we are in the process.”
While that process is bearing out with quality soccer on the field, it isn’t doing so in the standings. City have scored three goals in five games and lost all but one in 2024. Added to that is the pressure of their next game, a road trip to Inter Miami, who will be looking to rebound following and embarrassing 4-0 loss to New York Red Bulls. The team’s only win was a comeback over Toronto FC last week.
Some City fans have called for Cushing to be replaced. However, the team itself has not responded in this manner. Instead, they have galvanized their playing style behind Cushing and his European pedigree. Whether or not that’s enough to dig the team out of their current rut remains to be seen. It also is unclear whether City Football Group will be patient enough to let him see it through if the results continue the way they have progressed.