New York City FC’s season has not been a success based on results thus far in 2024 with the team only garnering five points in their first seven matches. Such a run has left them within one point of the bottom of the table while crosstown rivals New York Red Bulls celebrate an ascension to the top of the Eastern Conference with a win over FC Cincinnati. Head coach Nick Cushing addressed his team’s performance following another 1-1 draw, this time against Atlanta United FC:
“I feel like we should win the game but I’m a realist,” said Cushing. “Where are we in the process at this current moment? Really frustrated and really disappointed. The fact is that we feel like this draw is, it feels like a loss.”
City played well in the first half, once again, creating opportunities but having an inability to finish key chances. Santiago Rodrigues and Mounsef Bakrar in particular had the opportunity to give City the lead at times but were unable to do so. Eventually the team did find the opening goal with a penalty kick conversion before the halftime whistle. However, there was a lingering feeling that the lead was only temporary if they couldn’t find a second goal.
The more frustrating elements of their results lately is that the team did in fact spend money on key signings. Julian Fernandez and Alonso Martinez didn’t come cheap to the club. Also, Bundesliga veteran Hannes Wolf has shown little signs of helping the offense convert chances. Combined with the veteran players underperforming and NYCFC is left with a frustrated feeling in a process that was supposed to see them improve this year instead of taking steps backwards.
“I’m not content with league position and points,” said Cushing. “We took the game to Atlanta tonight. There’s only one team trying to win the game. We limit a football team that wants to play a lot of direct balls, winning second balls and their chances come off of set plays.”
City will remain home next week to welcome last place New England Revolution in a true battle to see who is worst in the East. A loss will certainly see them tumble to the bottom. A win can be a starting point in a process that has produced moments of on-field connection but little in the way of results that are much sorely needed.
photo by Jordan Banks