Nick Cushing has hailed the postive impact of the Club’s supporters as they prepare for the Hudson River Derby this weekend.
New York City FC travel across the river on Saturday to take on the Red Bulls with both sides eager to secure a playoff spot at the earliest opportunity.
City will be backed by a boisterous traveling support, with Cushing acknowledging the vital role they play in pushing the team – including during last weekend’s game against Inter Miami CF. City were able to find a late equalizer through James Sands' first goal for the Club, with a 1-1 draw keeping City on track to make the playoffs.
“Our fans were incredible in the Miami game,” he said. “I'm really proud of that. There was blue shirts everywhere.
“When I speak to our players that was a huge factor in fighting and continuing to push [against Miami].
“Having the hunger and the desire to get something was, of course, for our league position and for our push toward postseason, but it was also for our fans.”
Cushing was also able to give an injury update ahead of Saturday’s game.
City will be without Santiago Rodríguez and Strahinja Tanasijević due to suspension. Joining them in missing the Hudson River Derby is Malachi Jones, who is still recovering from the leg injury sustained earlier in the season.
“The only player that we have out injured is Malachi Jones,” Cushing said.
“Obviously we have the two guys that are suspended, but injury-wise, everybody is fit. Birk Risa has trained all week, so that's really positive.
“Malachi is incredibly hopeful that he's going to return, and so are we. He’s working incredibly hard.
“His mentality to return to the team and contribute to either the end of the season or the postseason is something that he said straight after the injury as being a possibility.
“We have to go through the medical process and tick every box because it’s a difficult injury for him. He’s out on the grass and running, which is a huge positive for us."
