NYCFC vs FC CINCINNATI, Cushing: "We will find an incredible atmosphere but we are ready"

New York City FC will face FC Cincinnati on Monday in Round 1, Game 1 of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. The first of a best-of-three series, Monday’s clash marks the fourth meeting between the teams in 2024.

Speaking to the media on Saturday before the trip to Ohio, coach Nick Cushing confirmed the excitement of the group and his willingness to accept the challenge of facing FC Cincinnati.

“We’re really excited, but Cincinnati is a tough opponent,” he said. “They’ve played three times before and they’ve had some tough games at times, but they’ve played really well at other times.

“We won the last game at Red Bull Arena. We know it’s going to be tough, but that’s the emotional part of the season and we’re going to embrace it. Away games in general in MLS are tougher than home games. The stats would bear that out.

"Cincinnati is a tough place to go. They've had a really successful run: last season and this year they were consistent enough to finish third. I think it's going to be an incredible atmosphere and I think we're going to really embrace it."