New York City Interim Head Coach hopes Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw against Cincinnati will prove to be the catalyst for an improved run of form.
The Boys in Blue halted a frustrating string of defeats with a positive result at Citi Field, as Gabriel Pereira’s first-half header canceled out an own-goal from Thiago Martins, who was later shown a red card.
Cushing was pleased with his side’s response to falling behind, as well as the hunger and desire shown by his players. Though naturally disappointed not to have won the game given their offensive dominance, the Head Coach praised the character shown.
“The team is in a place where we know we’ve had a lot of challenge,” he stated.
“This week, we’ve looked at performance. We know that in the performances in some games, we’ve been disappointing in areas.
“It was a priority for us in this game to make sure we were better in both boxes. We’re disappointed we didn’t put the chances away – we created a lot of chances and moments but couldn’t put the ball in the goal.
“We defended the box and set plays really well. I couldn’t ask for any more from the guys in their performance.
“You’ve seen a team that is fully committed and really hungry not to give away cheap goals. Of course, the mistake was disappointing but they happen – if I ask the team to play that way, mistakes will happen.
“It’s a mistake, an individual error – it’s not from being unorganized or falling asleep – so we were a lot better tonight.
“We created a lot of opportunities and came up against a goalkeeper who made really two good saves, but we have to be more clinical.
“It’s a point and we should have got three points. We needed to put the ball in the goal to take the win but it’s a step in the right direction.
“We’re not hiding away from the fact this team is in a difficult moment. One thing I will say is that I’m really proud of the way the players grind and commit; the support they give me and the staff and each other.
“We need to make sure we come together. We have to see the positives in this performance to take to Charlotte. We’ve put in a performance that is the next level from New England to here – it was better in many ways but it can be even better.
“We’ll work harder and we’ll push more, and we’ll make sure we put things right.”
Cushing also took a moment to hail the NYCFC fans, who turned out in numbers at Citi Field to spur the team on.
“The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field is one that really drives on and one that we really feed off,” he added.
“We've seen tonight that the players – even with 10 men – were still trying to push, trying to win the game because we know the fans are willing us on, that the fans are behind us.
“We know that these results are not results that we should be delivering the fans. We’re well aware of that and we’re as disappointed as they are, but we’ll continue to fight.”
