After the unpleasant elimination of New York City FC after falling 3-1 to the Philadelphia Union in the final of the MLS Eastern Conference, the coach of the New York team, Nick Cushing, was self-critical about the decisive factor of the I find letting it be known that there were two key moments.
“I think there were two great moments. One by one, [Alexander] Callens’ header forced an incredible save. And then, obviously, the set-up where we just lose focus and they come in and get the one-one,” Cushing began.
“Then we just didn’t handle the next three or four minutes well enough and we know what it’s like here in Philadelphia. The crowd turns up and you get caught in that moment. The game can go from one to one to two to one very quickly, he added.
Maxi Moralez stood out in the elimination of NYCFC
On the other hand, the coach of the ‘citizen’ team highlighted the performance of the Argentine Maxi Moralez who scored the only goal for his team at the minute 57, and who also served to open the scoring.
“Yes, I think he [Maxi Moralez] was incredible. He played that deeper role again. He showed that he has versatility and that he can handle the game. I can’t speak highly enough of Maxi [Moralez], he’s been amazing from the moment I came on as interim coach until now he’s been an amazing professional, an amazing leader, and he’s had some great performances on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, when asked about the next season, the English coach indicated that it is time to analyze the high and low points to avoid making the same mistakes next year.
“I think for us, ultimately, now it’s about reflecting on losing a conference final. We won last year, we lost this year. It hurts now, it’s hard to even think about next year.”
Regarding his continuity at New York City FC, Nick Cushing expressed his desire to continue but pointed out that it is something that does not depend on him and that the board will have to evaluate his performance and from there make a decision.
“Of course I want to come back next year. I think you have seen from the moment I got here that I will take responsibility for the results, no matter what. You know, we’ve had some exceptional results this year,” he highlighted.
“We had a period where it was really disappointing and we were able to turn it around and finish third in the [Eastern] Conference and reach the Conference Final. I think the acting was really good. We were probably not at the level we wanted in the first half due to a style of play, but we were competing in second balls and direct balls”, he underlined.
“I will say it again, we lost the game in two moments. [Andre] Blake’s save keeps them at it and then we lost focus. For me, as long as I’m here as a coach, whether it’s an assistant coach or a head coach, my goal is to make sure that this Organization is always at this point. Because our Organization demands that and the people of this Organization want to work for it. We have to be at the table every year, and if you consistently get to the Conference Finals, then you will win more MLS Cups,” he said.
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