Nick Cushing has praised his players for their fight and determination after claiming a point on the road at Real Salt Lake.
The Boys in Blue wrestled with the demands of playing at altitude on Saturday night as they took on RLS at America First Field.
While the head coach reinforced his desire for the team to collect three points every week, he accepted that in the circumstances a point represented a positive result.
“I think you saw fourteen or fifteen guys that went on the field and showed a will for New York City to make sure that we didn't lose another game,” he said.
“I say again, I know we want to win football games and I'm more frustrated with not putting three on the board every week than anybody else.
“But one point today is as good as three here, and many people around the league will know that's difficult to draw."
A tight and tense tactical battle ensue with neither side able to find the desired breakthrough. Speaking after the game, Cushing praised his players for their fight and spirit in the wake of testing conditions.
“We've come to a really difficult place and we take something away from it,” he said.
“I don't think there's many east coast teams that come in and take your point. So we're pleased with that. It has bonded the group a little bit more, but we’ve got a lot to do.”
Reflecting further on his team’s performance the Head Coach was able to pin point positives both tactically but also in the way his players approached the mental requirements.
“I thought our general play had good moments. In the first half it was much better without having really having a cutting edge in the in the final third," Cushing added.
“We know that's an area we have to improve in. We expected Salt Lake to come up over us in the second half – that is the nature of MLS.
“Playing altitude is incredibly difficult. You can see with our team the physical effects of playing at altitude, but the one thing you can't question is the fight and togetherness of this team.
“If this was my team, I'd be proud of it today because as a supporter you want to see them fight for the badge, fight for each other, and show spirit and heart.
“We know our performances have been okay, but our results have been poor, but I think tonight that's a real positive result for us.”
