New York City Football Club have a streak going. They extended it Wednesday with a draw against Charlotte, but it made little difference in the Eastern Conference standings. NYCFC are unbeaten now in their last seven games but have only won one of those contests.
Saturday did show signs of building momentum off the teams victory north of the border last weekend. NYCFC dominated possession and outshot Charlotte 21 to 3. If it were not for a bad give away by Justin Haak and a phenomenal strike by Orrin McKinze Gaines in minutes 17 of the match, NYCFC might have been able to chalk another win in the column. As it was, the team would have to settle for a draw as shot after shot missed the mark of was parried away.
Jul 5, 2023; Queens, New York, USA; New York City FC defender Braian Cufre (3) crosses the ball against Charlotte FC forward Justin Meram (22) during the second half at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2023; Queens, New York, USA; New York City FC midfielder Justin Haak (80) steals the ball from Charlotte FC midfielder Kamil Jóźwiak (7) during the second half at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports
As the game entered the last ten minutes it seemed that Charlotte might hold off the Pigeons for a victory on the road. Keaton Parks found a great pass to Braian Cufre on the left wing and the fullback made no mistake this time. He send a screamer into the back of the net and drew the contest even. NYCFC would have a few chances after that to go a head and win but could not capitalize on the chances.
Head Coach Nick Cushing was honest about the result after the match. “I said to the guys it was really frustrating, but I think what we have to do and continue to do through this period is understand where we’ve come from. We’re losing football games where we would create all chances and we are giving away big chances. Whether they’d be a set play or in play, I’ve seen enough to know that we’re on the right path. We’re on a journey, and it’s gonna take time to develop this to the level that I believe we can be at, and to the level that hits our expectation as a football club, a group, and mine individually. We can’t just give in because we’re not getting what we want.
There’s enough in that performance to know that we completely dominate the game in every area, whether it be in possession, possession in areas… I’ve said it before, and I am getting sick of saying it, and I understand that people are getting sick of hearing it, but if we play this game 10 times we’ll get nine. “
That line is indeed getting to be the mantra for NYCFC. They have consistently over performed in statistical categories against teams this season but have been unable to find the back of the net and get the win. For now the team must settle with another draw and look towards the game in Columbus on the weekend to extend their unbeaten streak. Not an easy task considering NYCFC have won just one game on the road since last October.
The transfer window is open however, and rumors are already abounding of new signings and possible strikers lined up to come in and make a difference for NYCFC. The question is can NYCFC win enough games between now and then to keep themselves in the playoff hunt until reinforcements arrive.
