NYCFC, Cushing: "It's a Step in the Right Direction"

New York City Interim Head Coach Nick Cushing hopes Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw against Cincinnati will prove to be the catalyst for an improved run of form.

Cushing was pleased with his side’s response to falling behind, as well as the hunger and desire shown by his players. Though naturally disappointed not to have won the game given their offensive dominance, the Head Coach praised the character shown.

“The team is in a place where we know we’ve had a lot of challenge,” he stated.

“This week, we’ve looked at performance. We know that in the performances in some games, we’ve been disappointing in areas.

“It was a priority for us in this game to make sure we were better in both boxes. We’re disappointed we didn’t put the chances away – we created a lot of chances and moments but couldn’t put the ball in the goal.

“We defended the box and set plays really well. I couldn’t ask for any more from the guys in their performance.

“You’ve seen a team that is fully committed and really hungry not to give away cheap goals. Of course, the mistake was disappointing but they happen – if I ask the team to play that way, mistakes will happen.

“It’s a mistake, an individual error – it’s not from being unorganized or falling asleep – so we were a lot better tonight.

“We created a lot of opportunities and came up against a goalkeeper who made really two good saves, but we have to be more clinical.

“It’s a point and we should have got three points. We needed to put the ball in the goal to take the win but it’s a step in the right direction".