New York City Football Club won their first game in MLS play since July 1 last night and the win was over the last team they beat. Montreal came to the Bronx last night and fell 2-0 to the home squad, who, despite having a bit of a rough week, looked a bit like their former selves.
There were “Cushing out” signs in the stands at Yankee Stadium as fans protested the recent string of bad form by the club, and the fact that this week NYCFC said goodbye to Maxime Chanot, their longest tenured player. Chanot was a fan favorite and a solid cog in the NYCFC machine, but despite his loss the retooled defense looked solid against Montreal, who never really threatened NYCFC.
Jun 17, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC fans display banners during the second half of the match against the Columbus Crew at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Both squads had some near misses in the early minutes but Andres Jasson broke the seal in the 30th minute when he received the ball off some deft build up play, faked out a defender and sent a nice curling, left-footed shot into the top right corner of the net. Jasson has been making a case for more playing time over the last two games and he certainly earned his starting spot Wednesday. He looked lively all throughout the first half and caused problems for Montreal with both is crosses and his movement.
Another bright spot came in the form of NYCFC’s new striker, Monsef Bakrar, who scored just seven minutes later. Birk Risa sent a nice ball over Montreal’s backline perfectly weighted for Bakrar to receive it on the run, muscle past a defender and slot the ball home. At halftime the “Cushing Out” signs were gone and the fans were having fun again.
“I think it’s down to us all. One thing this season has taught us is that maybe performance isn’t enough, maybe tactics, shape, and the ability to play a style isn’t enough because we’ve had so many games like Minnesota, Charlotte, where we’ve dominated the ball, we can debate this all day, performance. I’ve sat here a number of times and I thought we’ve deserved more. Now we’re in a headspace where we just got to go and take it.” Cushing said after the game. He went on to quote the NJ Jets coach from the show saying, “I think tonight I said in my huddle before the game whatever it takes we have to go take the win now. I’ve been watching ‘Hard Knocks’ with the Jets, listen don’t hold us to it, I’m not gonna tell you I’m not a jets fan but I’ve been watching hard knocks and the head coach says all gas no brakes and I love this saying because for us in these next four home we have to play with all gas no brakes.”
The team and the coach certainly made a case to fans on Wednesday, but was it enough to put down the signs forever and instill hope in the fanbase once again? That remains to be seen. NYCFC have put themselves in this
“All gas no breaks” position and the next four home games may decide if the team wins the playoff race or crashes out in dramatic fashion.
