New York City FC head coach Nick Cushing knows all about the pressures of getting results with continued focus on his club’s poor start to the 2024 campaign. However, the situation has turned with two consecutive wins and undefeated in four-straight, it appears that a solution has been reached. Still, Cushing and his coaching staff know that there is more work to be done.
“This team is together because I see the workrate,” said Cushing after training. “I see it in their eyes and I see the belief. Now the difference is, when you start to win, there’s a danger that you can start to think that it’s just going to happen and it’s just going to come, that it’s fixed now. That actually we’re a team that’s just going to continue to win. That’s not the case.”
Cushing has been very vocal about his team’s process and how it is a longer term strategy. With such young players and high potential, it should be expected that there will be growing pains along the way. We’ve seen that with numerous missed chances that have cost the team points. While players like Agustin Ojeda and Julian Fernandez have shown signs of breaking through, there is still a gap that each player must cross in order to be consistent in their performances.
Luckily City’s defense has held up well. It is two consecutive clean sheets for the club and no more than one goal given up in a game since the loss to Portland back in early March. Currently they are tied for second best defensive record in the Eastern Conference, having only surrendered nine goals all season. Consistency in the backline allows Cushing to focus on his team’s offensive woes, knowing that he has players who will keep him in games.
“We’re at the mercy of the leadership of the team in executing those moments,” said Cushing about his team’s preparation. “Whether it be across four, five or six different players or whether it’s one guy (scoring). If we’re going to be a team that consistently wins, we have to deal with the threat that’s coming.”
NYCFC play Charlotte FC on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. It is yet another chance for City to climb the table. A win would take them into the top five should other results go in their favor.
photo by Jordan Bank