New York City FC have a chance to go level on points with third place New York Red Bulls should they gain the win over CF Montreal on Wednesday at Citi Field. Nick Cushing’s men have been on a streaky wave that has seen them yo-yo between stretches of wins and losses. This midweek game is yet another chance to create consistency against a tough opponent.
“There’s a chance to make up some ground on the teams above us,” said head coach Nick Cushing. “I believe with the individuals we have in the group and with the potential that we have in the group. What we want to achieve is down to us.”
Cushing has been pragmatic about his team’s development in 2024, knowing that they have already exceeded last season’s expectations. While that is something to celebrate, the experienced head coach knows that success in MLS is something that can disappear just as quickly as it arrives.
“We can achieve whatever we want to achieve, but we have to be humble and honest. We have to keep our feet on the floor and continue to work.”
That work was made more difficult over the weekend when the team lost rising star Malachi Jones to an unfortunate injury. It puts Cushing’s options for a midweek game at a minimum and may force some players to pull double duty. The team will follow up this Wednesday game with a trip to Austin, Texas just days later. It is a reality of MLS that teams are stretched, particularly during the summer months, and Cushing knows that all too well.
There are bright points to the team, despite the shaky run of form. Defender Tayvon Gray has made team selection a difficult task. His play has been exceptional, proving in the Orlando game that he is good not just in the defensive half but also in creating goal-scoring opportunities.
“I really put a lot of effort into this game,” said Gray. “When it comes to my abilities, I know what I can do. I think the battle (for minutes) is healthy and the competitive spirit is also in me. I just keep the drive going.”
City are favored to win over CF Montreal who are currently just outside of the playoff bubble. They have only won twice away from Canada and their opponents have one of the better home records in the conference. Considering their recent run of scoring goals, expectations are that City should win comfortably, making the top of the table that much more interesting ahead of Leagues Cup later in the month.
photo by Jordan Banks