New York City FC hosts Chicago Fire on Wednesday night knowing that one point will secure their place in the 2018 Audi MLS Playoffs.
For Jo Inge Berget, the Boys in Blue will be going out for all three after being held on the road in Montreal at the weekend.
The Norwegian international was making his return following injury on Saturday night and it’s fair to say he made up for lost time in his hour on the field, making the crucial run which forced the opening goal of the night.
However, Berget was left frustrated that City couldn’t convert one point into three.
Berget said: ‘‘Yes, it was an important point but what we’re missing the last games is a win. It was a good game and we got a good point but still, we didn’t get the win that we came here for and it’s been a while now since we last won a game.
“That’s the good thing about the tight schedule now. We have another game on Wednesday.
‘‘You win games if you score goals. It’s as easy as that. If you score many goals each game, you’re most likely going to win many games. And these last games we haven’t really scored. We created loads of chances. Maybe not today but the last few games. And we just can’t get it in the net.
“But we know the quality of the players we have here that it is going to come. It’s just about giving that extra 5% and that little bit of luck as well. I’m sure it is going to come and when they do, hopefully they’re going to come for all of us.’”
Berget has grown in influence as 2018 has progressed, his tireless running and physical strength providing a pivot point in the final third of the field.
While scoring goals is an important part of Jo’s game, NYCFC fans know there is far more to Berget than whether he’s on the scoresheet or not.
In Jo’s words: ‘‘My job is to be strong and to make runs in behind. Maybe not to get a ball but to stretch them and to give a little bit of room to Maxi and David.
“On our first goal, that is exactly what happened. David got a little room and then he can pick those passes and then got a great cross in. And it ended in the back of the net. And that’s what we need to do even when teams are laying low.
“There is still space for those kinds of players to take advantage. And then it’s my job to do the dirty work and run around and I’m happy to do that.’’
Berget was withdrawn after an hour in Canada as he works his way back from injury but he felt no ill effects.
Jo added: ‘‘The injury didn’t bother me, and I didn’t feel anything to it, so it was a good 60 minutes to get back there.
‘‘Before the game, we talked about having three games in a week and this being my first game in about a month. So, I think 90 minutes today would have been a little too much and hopefully I’m ready to go again on Wednesday and put in an effort again and play as much as I can.
“If it’s an own goal or I score, it’s the same. As long as the ball ends up at the back of the net.’’
Kick-off on Wednesday night takes place at 7pm on YES 2 and NYCFC.com/Radio - get your tickets below.
