Nick Cushing has hailed his team's spirit and togetherness after they earned a point on the road against New England Revolution.
The Boys in Blue were seeking to rectify some recent struggles on the road on Saturday night as they traveled to Gillette Stadium to face an in-form Revolution side.
An even-contest saw the hosts break the deadlock in the 70th minute when Carles Gil drove forward and fired a low shot past Luis Barraza.
A spirited response from NYCFC ensued, and ten minutes later they had their reward when Gabriel Pereira's corner kick found Talles Magno's head.
"For us to finish in a positive position - which to me is the top four - we have to have every part of the game," Cushing explained.
"We have to be able to dictate games with possession and we have to be able to suffer and not break when we're under pressure which will happen on the road.
"Tonight is a really good example of a team with a real togetherness - a real spirit. For me, there were so many pleasing parts rolling into a three game homestretch."
The NYCFC Head Coach also took time to single out Gabe Segal for praise after the forward made his Major League Soccer debut on Saturday.
Cushing opted to make two changes to the starting XI with Mitja Ilenič replacing Tayvon Gray.
Segal joined the Boys in Blue after a spell in Germany with Köln and was handed the start by Cushing. Drawing praise from his manager, the forward produced a tireless performance while leading the NYCFC attack.
"I think ultimately when we select lineups and we select squads it's about the team," Cushing said.
"My decisions will always be for the good of New York City Football Club and the performances in the game in front of us. There are many reasons why we select different lineups.
He later went onto add: "Gabe Segal's debut was exceptional, especially in the buildup and his work rate."
"I thought in the first half we dictated the game but we just didn't put the ball where the space was which was on the sides to get a 2v1 or get crosses in.
"In the second half, we started to do it but we could have done it more, but you know just the fact we dictated the game I think is is a real positive for our team moving forward.
"I tell the guys to play and continue to play because it's how we dictate the game. If the game goes end to end, New England are better than us so we have to keep the game short and keep the game compact and it keeps us in control."
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