New York City FC know that they’ve left points on the table of late, specifically around their road form leading into Leagues Cup. Now that they have qualified for the knockout stage of the competition, road results rear their ugly heads again as the team travels to Foxboro to play the New England Revolution. Head coach Nick Cushing knows that recent results were there for the taking.
“When I reflect on Austin away we should win that game,” said Cushing. “When I reflect on Chicago and Orlando we can win one of those games. They were tight games that we didn’t lose. And this Cincinnati game we know we should win. We should win it 2-0.”
City frustratingly surrendered the game in the final 10 minutes when they surrendered four goals in 10 minutes. Up to that point Cushing’s men had handled one of the best teams in MLS in their own stadium. Goals from Santiago Rodriguez and youngster Jovan Mijatovic placed them in a position to finish top of the group and have a home game for the round of 32. Instead, they lose and have to travel which has been a problem for them in 2024.
New England also presents an interesting challenge. A tough start to the season has seen Caleb Porter’s men rebound, only to falter yet again. In league play they are winless in four but secured wins over Mazatlan and then Nashville SC via penalties. In a cup competition anything is possible but City have to be considered favorites in spite of their road form.
“These games are a great opportunity to do that,” said Cushing when asked about improving the team’s road form. “We have to show a positive reaction and take that moment and turn it into a positive.”
A win tonight will see City play one of their toughest international challenges in Liga MX’s Tigres. The formidable club eliminated Pachuca on Thursday evening and should City prevail, they will more than likely host at Red Bull Arena, despite being the away team.
photo from NYCFC