Nick Cushing is keen for his side to maintain the momentum generated from their unbeaten run as they prepare for Decision Day.
New York City FC will travel to Canada on Decision Day to take on CF Montréal. The Boys in Blue are already guaranteed a place in the playoffs, but they can still secure home advantage with the right results on Saturday.
City are currently on a three-game unbeaten run, and while speaking with the media on Thursday Cushing emphasized the need for his team to maintain their momentum heading to postseason.
“The preparation is fairly similar in the sense of the intensity that we've trained at,” he said.
“The buy-in and the focus of the team is very similar to last year. The difference is we're fighting for a totally different opportunity.
“This time last year, we were trying to get in, and this year we're in. We're now fighting for position, and that was the aim and the goal at the start of the year, to be in a position to finish in the top four, and we have that opportunity.
“We're pleased with that, but for us, it's about momentum.
“Now we've got the momentum. We've got a really good feeling among the group. There's energy within the group, and that has to continue going into the postseason, fourth place is our target and our eyes are on that.”
He went on to add: “For me, it's about trying to win the game. We don't achieve anything in the sense of finishing in fourth place if we don't win the game.
“So that is my whole focus. We've reviewed the Nashville game and there was some really good bits and some bits that we know we have to improve on.
“The game isn't finished until that referee blows the whistle so we will believe we can get something from the game in every moment of the game.”
Reflecting on the challenge Montréal will represent on Saturday, Cushing praised his opposite number Laurent Courtois, and how well he has coached his team.
“I think the first challenge will be that they have to get a result to get in [to the playoffs],” Cushing said.
“They're going to be hugely motivated. They're at home in front of a sellout crowd. It’s a great opportunity for them to improve on last season, which is the mindset that we've been in all year.
“They're a really good football team. They’re really well-coached. Laurent has coached them really well. They can have long periods of possession with the ball and create chances.
“They have a number nine in Joseph Martinez, that is in form, scoring goals. We know that this game is going to be difficult.
“We're going to have to be at our best. We're going to have to be incredibly focused throughout the game, because when they play well, they're top team.”
