Nick Cushing has stressed that the race to the playoffs will be a fight until the very end.
The Boys in Blue are currently sitting below the line as the pursue a spot in the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. Chicago Fire currently inhabit the final playoff spot, with NYCFC two points behind the Fire in the standings.
NYCFC have taken four points from two home games this week, and while Cushing was admittedly disappointed with having to settle for a draw against the Whitecaps, he reaffirmed that the race to a playoff spot will go right down to the wire.
"The guys are disappointed because we want to win," Cushing said.
"We've had too many of these games where we play well, we push the game, we fight and we create chances but we don't get the result, but we have to fight on and continue to fight.
"The picture looks a little bit better with the point. We were on 29, we're now on 30. I'm sure the results later will dictate whether it looks worse. I said to the guys, this is a fight until the end whether we had won today or not.
"Of course we're disappointing we didn't get the win, but either way this is going to be a fight until the end. We have another three home games and we've got to fight hard to get points on the board to get over the line and into the playoffs because we're not there yet.
"We're going to prepare the team for Red Bull and fight to get three points."
Mounsef Bakrar had opened the scoring ten minutes into the second half after a well-worked counterattack saw Santiago Rodríguez play the striker through on goal to convert.
The lead would be short-lived, however, with Vancouver earning a penalty straight from kick off after James Sands was adjudged to have brought down Ryan Gauld in the area - the Scotsman converting the subsequent spot kick.
Reflecting on the goal, Cushing acknowledged his disappointment at seeing his side pegged back after claiming an advantage.
"It's disappointing," he said.
"We know it's a cheap goal - to come straight from the kickoff - but this moment is like so disappointing and it feels painful now. We have to look at it, we have to work at it and continue to become resilient in these moments."
The Head Coach also gave some insight into the Club's strategy as they prepare for the international break. NYCFC have two first team members jetting off for international duty.
For those that remain in the Five Boroughs, Cushing is keen for rest and recovery to be met with hard work as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.
"We’ll have to take some time to recover," he said.
"It’s difficult to do a three game week. Of course, we’re going to plan to win the game [against Red Bulls]. We'll use the break to push really hard, to rest and recover, and then work at making sure we give ourselves the best chance of getting three points in the next game."
Sign-up for MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app - and never miss a moment of the 2023 season. Stream every regular-season, playoff, and Leagues Cup match. Every Screen. No Blackouts.
