New York City FC are at a turning point in their 2024 season and the three-game road trip ahead of them may be when we know the direction they are headed. This weekend’s game against Chicago represents a chance to make things right following a 2-1 loss to Austin FC one week ago but it is also the chance for Nick Cushing and his team to show that they are a top of the table club that can get the points against lower opponents away from the five boroughs.
“The only way that we have to approach it is to improve the performance from previous games,” said Cushing during training. “We have to take the positives out of our performances and we have to keep improving the areas where we didn’t get the results. Ultimately, that is executing in the final third.”
Scoring has been an issue for City this season. One that many thought was solved in recent weeks following the goal-scoring streak of Alonso Martinez. His substitution hat trick, followed up by his two-goal performance against Montreal, felt as if the team had turned a corner. The early goal from Andres Perea against Austin appeared as if the club had figured a way past their struggles. However, that was not to be the case as Gyasi Zardes and Austin FC stormed back, leaving City with nothing but missed chances.
Martinez isn’t the only player with a spotlight on him. Santiago Rodriguez and his ability to influence the game has also been a frustration for some fans. At moments he appears to be one of the better players one-on-one in the league. However, the lack of finishing or final ball into the box, has left some wondering as to why the inconsistencies persist.
One of the few players who has remained consistent is Hannes Wolf. The ex-Bundesliga player has seamlessly integrated into Cushing’s team and been able to fill in where needed. Lately, it has been as a right wing attacker, providing assists and goals where necessary.
“I really like that every team can compete,” said Wolf when asked about his feelings on the league. “We don’t have too many teams that are unbeaten. New York (City) is a good club with a good structure and this is why I wanted to join. Everyone competes very well and there’s no game that’s easy.”
This weekend will be no different as City will play in Soldier Field against the Chicago Fire on Saturday night. A win puts pressure on the New York Red Bulls and could see them move into fourth place if the results go their way. The Fire won’t go easily, despite their poor run of form. Still, if City are to be considered a contending team, a win against Chicago will be paramount towards proving that point.
Brad Penner | USA TODAY SPORTS