Santiago Rodríguez believes a New York City victory in Wednesday night’s US Open Cup trip to FC Cincinnati could prove to be the springboard for an upturn in fortunes.
The Boys in Blue are yet to win away from home so far in 2023, and are looking to bounce back from Saturday night’s narrow defeat to Charlotte FC.
Following a mixed start to the MLS campaign, the midfielder hopes a switch in focus this week will provide a welcome change for the City Boys, with sights set on a triumph both to secure progression and earn a clean slate on the road.
“It’s a different competition, and above all, it’s another tournament that we need to face with the same seriousness and commitment that it deserves,” Rodríguez stated.
“We need to win every game – no matter if it's the [U.S. Open] Cup or the league.
“We need to put ourselves in the right state of mind and win to improve the confidence of the group, and start to win because we’re dropping many points away from home.
“Maybe we can take this change of pace, and use it to start winning again.”
Reflecting on Saturday’s five-goal thriller in North Carolina, in which the midfielder had leveled the score at 2-2 from the penalty spot, Rodríguez admitted the City Boys were disappointed to have conceded cheaply from set-pieces.
Though NYCFC twice fought back from a goal down, the visitors capitalized from a corner and free-kick, and restored their advantage immediately after the Boys in Blue had equalized at 1-1.
Rodríguez asserts the squad must address the issues sooner rather than later with the season rolling into full gear.
“The dead ball cost us a lot,” he said. “We need to correct those errors because they’re costing us a lot away from home, and we need those points to get into the playoffs.
“I couldn’t tell you what the issue was to concede after we scored. I think that the dead balls, free-kicks, and corners impacted us, but these are things to focus on and be more attentive at.
“In the two moments we were able to tie the game, they scored on us again – that makes it an uphill battle for the rest of the game, especially if we can't – at the very least – maintain the tie, so that we can look to go up in the game.
“We must think that we can do better, and be united when it’s time to defend, so this doesn’t happen again.”