Nick Cushing has confirmed that morale is good among the squad as they attempt to extend their winning run this weekend.
New York City FC welcome Colorado Rapids to the Five Boroughs this weekend with kickoff at Citi Field scheduled for 4:00PM ET on Sunday.
The game represents an opportunity for City to extend their winning run to four games in what is the last of five consecutive home games for the Club. Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash, Nick Cushing confirmed that the spirit in the camp is a positive one as they prepare for a tough test in the shape of Colorado.
"The morale is really good," Cushing said. "As a coach, you like it when the mood is happy and vibrant and everybody is flying but you also want to make sure the feet are on the floor and the eyes are facing forward.
"We looked at the performance [against Charlotte FC], and I agree we have to score more goals. The process of scoring more goals was about how do we create more chances. I think now we're in a place where it is about how do we score more of the chances we create.
"There’s only so many times you can score in the 91st and 93rd minute. I'm really proud of the mentality, but when we get performances that are dominant we have to try and get the second and third goal.
"The aim is to make sure that we prepare ourselves well so that we get ourselves mentally to a place where we can perform well and control the game against a really difficult Colorado team.
"We know they’re going to press and be aggressive. The area of development for the team is to take the chances we create and score goals and continue to be an attacking team.
"We’re known for being a possession team so we want to score more goals. We’ve worked at pressing and counter-pressing. You can’t get away from the fact a solid defense and a really organized and motivated team that is hard to play against is the foundation for being a good team.
"Every time we’re hard to play against we give ourselves a chance of winning. When I look out at the guys on the training field I see hungry guys.
There will be a familiar face in the dugout for Colorado on Sunday with former Red Bulls Head Coach Chris Armas leading the Rapids.
Cushing confirmed his team is well aware of the tactical style that awaits them this weekend, while also confirming the importance of keeping Colorado midfielder Djordje Mihailovic on Sunday.
The U.S. international was signed by the Rapids earlier this year from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and has previously shone in MLS with CF Montréal.
"I think we're familiar with the style," he said. "Not only are we familiar with the style because Chris worked with Red Bulls, and we play them very often, but also there are a lot of teams now coached by former Red Bull coaches.
"Chris Armas is an excellent coach. He's built a really good team there and I have no doubt that they will be successful.
"I think he showed that when he was at Red Bull. Mihailovic is a top player and we have to make sure we keep him quiet. Our analysis department is very good and so they will do the scouting and we will continue to work.
"For us, it is about preparing to be the best version of ourselves."
