New York City FC heads to the Rocky Mountain state to take on the Colorado Rapids for the first time this season.
As the Boys in Blue look to turn the page and return to their winning ways, they’ll shift their focus on the future rather than dwelling on past losses.
After a hotly-debated Hudson River Derby, Dome Torrent and his squad are ready to move past the controversy and look to Colorado.
Anton Tinnerholm reflected: “Today we’re standing here with a loss and we can’t do anything about it today. Of course, we were frustrated, but we have to let it go, have the club handle it and we players have to focus on the Colorado game.”
NYCFC has slipped in the past two matches conceding back-to-back losses against Portland Timbers and Red Bulls, but the team isn’t worried about their form.
“If you look at the games, to be honest, I would have been more worried if we had played in a poor way but I think with the performances in the last few games, we deserved more,” Tinnerholm said. “Maybe we deserved less in the other 12 games, but you get what you deserve in the end, but we’re on a mission so we have to keep on going”
After playing four games in 12 days, the Boys in Blue finally had a few days of rest and recovery to catch their breath.
“I think it’s good for the team to have some rest but we’re used to long trips here… We have to be professionals and like I said we have to turn the page, Tinnerholm said. “We’re going to talk about how we’re going to play against Colorado. I think the tactic will be the same, to keep the ball and keep them from scoring when we have the ball.”
Heading to Colorado, the team will face some challenges with yet another long trip, a change in altitude, and familiar faces…
Earlier this season, NYCFC dealt Jonathan Lewis to the Rapids, since the trade the young forward has found his rhythm. He has scored goals for the team and contributed to their past three unbeaten matches. His talent is not news for City, as he started his MLS career in the Big Apple.
“Of course he’s a good player and feels like he’s been a little more confident and played more games there,” Tinnerholm told reporters. “It’s going to be a challenge for us. We’re going to have to talk about it in the meeting, how we’re going to stop him and then there are another 10 players we’re going to have to stop.”
Fortunately for New York City’s Football Club, two players will be making their return to the roster. Alexandru Mitriță and James Sands are fit once again to play after spending time on the injured list. Their presence on the pitch will boost City’s confidence and help them execute their game plan.
Gary Mackay-Steven is another player who can be a playmaker for NYCFC. He made his debut against the Red Bulls and in the 15 minutes of playing time he got, he created chances for the team to score.
Even Tinnerholm was impressed by his new teammate, “I think if you look at the game against Red Bulls, he made a huge impact, to be honest. He didn’t play that many minutes, but he came in with a lot of energy and created some chances for us so you see that he has something good.”
As the Road Blues head to Colorado, they are ready for the new challenge as they look to climb the table and return to their winning ways. With a win on Saturday night, NYCFC could potentially be in fourth place in the East.
“We all want to win the Cup so it’s time to bounce back now,” Tinnerholm said.
NYCFC goes head-to-head with the Rapids on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET, tune in to YES Network, Fox Sports Go, or listen on WNYE. 91.5 to support your Boys in Blue.
