The international break was a big one for New York City Football Club. They saw their coach, Ronny Deila, be lured away to Belgium by the promise of European Champions League football. Nick Cushing has assumed the helm for the remainder of the season and seems to be the favorite for the permanent position. On Sunday, he made his case against the Colorado Rapids in the Bronx. NYCFC remained unbeaten in nine games taking a draw and a point out of the match.
The line up was very similar to what Deila would often use with Cushing not seeking to upset the course NYCFC was already on. Talles Magno was dangerous early with a great run into the box only to be taken down by William Yarbrough in what seemed like an obvious penalty. However none was given and the game went on. Valentine Castellanos hit the underside of the post minutes later nearly putting the home squad ahead.
Jun 19, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Colorado Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough (22) makes a save against New York City FC forward Talles Magno (43) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
On paper, NYCFC was dominant owning sixty-six percent of possession and out shooting Colorado sixteen to one. That one was all Colorado needed however. In the 68th minute, Michael Barrios broke free of Alex Callens and made a nifty move to wrong-foot Thiago Martins and deftly sent the ball into the back of the net past an outstretched Sean Johnson. The goal ended the run on clean sheets NYCFC was on and seemed to dampen the spirits at Yankee stadium.
NYCFC would respond almost immediately however with Maxi Morales sending a wonderful lob to a streaking Magno who volleyed the ball off his chest and sent a rocket of a one touch shot past a frozen Yarbrough.
For Magno, it was more than just a brilliant goal Saying after the match that de dedicated it to his grandmother watching in Brazil.
“I love my grandma, she was actually watching the game at home with my family,” said Mango. “I told her before the game that I was going to score a goal for her today and I was actually able to do it. I ran to the camera and screamed ‘I love you, Grandma this is for you!’ So, I dedicate this goal to her.”
Jun 19, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Talles Magno (43) controls the ball as Colorado Rapids midfielder Bryan Acosta (21) defends during the second half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Cushing seemed pleased with the way his team performed in he debut as head coach even if they were shaking off some rust from the twenty two day international break.
“It was a special day for me on many fronts,” said Cushing. “One to lead one of our teams again is an honor and to lead a team at Yankee Stadium, such an iconic stadium, is something I’ll always remember. Also to lead this group of players, they are the MLS Champions and they are a great group of people. So, to go through the change that we went through this week and to lead them out today in a good performance was a good day for me. I said to the guys after the game, everyone of them has been exceptional this week. In the way they have applied themselves in a difficult moment, when you lose a coach mid-season but also towards myself in the support, work ethic, and application that they have shown this week to prepare for this game has been exceptional. To the second part of your question, how I think the game went. I thought it looked like two teams that haven’t played for two weeks in the first half. Although we controlled the game, it was a bit slow. It looked like both teams were trying to figure each other out. We lacked the rhythm that we play with. But, we asked at half time for more rhythm and aggression. I think we got that. Overall, disappointed we didn’t get three points but I am happy with the application and performance.”
Cushing went on to explain to fans not to expect a huge change in style or play with him at the helm.
“We are mid-season and we don’t have a lot of time to start implementing new ways of playing and new ideas and also because what we have done has worked for us, we have a methodology in our group and we have worked towards that the last 18 months and it has helped us win MLS Cup and it has helped us with the league position that we have got. It was about making sure the player understands that for us consistency is key, in all of the areas, that in the way that we play and in approaching games. My job this week was preparing the team for this game and like I said all the players were exceptional this week in their application.”
The boys in blue are back even if the sideline looks a bit different. The point keeps them in first place in the Eastern Conference and they have at least one game in hand on every team that is below them. The next match promises to be a true test as they head across the Hudson River to play their rivals The Red Bulls in the US Open Cup on Wednesday. We will learn more about the new coach and the club then.
