Alfredo Morales believes New York City Football Club are on track to challenge for more silverware this season.
The Boys in Blue earned a second successive win on Saturday, edging a five-goal thriller against D.C. United to extend our unbeaten run to three from our opening four games.
Morales was introduced for the final 20 minutes of action at Yankee Stadium, earning deserved acclaim from his Head Coach for his positive impact, alongside matchwinner Thiago Andrade.
Though the midfielder admitted it was not a perfect performance with lessons to be learned, he asserts the City Boys are well on course to create more history in 2023.
“We got the second win at home in front of our fans and families,” he stated. “I think the first half was really good. We had full control. We scored two goals.
“Maybe we should have scored another one or two more, maybe to almost kill the game in the first half, but that’s just how it is in this league sometimes.
“It was difficult, especially since it was D.C. we were playing. They play long balls almost for fun, so it is always going to be more difficult, especially because it was in the end of the game – but I think we showed that we can defend, and we can fight and give everything for each other.
“We deserved the win, and this is a very good way to represent ourselves as a team. We are on our way to become the top team.”
Echoing the sentiments, Luis Barraza admits the players were disappointed to have allowed the visitors back into the contest, but insists the squad will be stronger for the experience.
“It was a tough game,” Barraza reflected, “especially in the second half.
“In the first half, we dominated and we played a lot more shorter passes. They had to chase the game in the second half, and they ended up scoring in the opening minutes of the half. It put us in a tough situation.
“We are upset with their second goal, but we will grow from that. Ultimately, we got the win and that is what matters.
“I think we played according to what won us the match. D.C. presented us with a little bit of higher pressure in the second half. There was a lot of space behind their backline, and we needed to exploit it.
“I think that the guys that came in [from the bench] made a difference, such as Thiago [Andrade] with the goal.
“It’s small details. I think we need to work on closing out games, and be spotless when it comes to set-pieces, building out from the back, or anything.
“We are working for every single game. We are a young team that is developing, and that is only going to come with time.”
Matías Pellegrini has also received plenty of praise from Head Coach Nick Cushing for his performances so far this team.
The Argentine, enjoying more regular gametime, has started the season brightly, showcasing his positive influence and tireless workrate. Sharing his thoughts on the win over D.C., it was the team’s fighting spirit that pleased him the most.
“In the first half, we were better,” he concluded. “We controlled the ball, and then after the second half, they made a lot of changes.
“We knew they like to play in the air, and that they were going to throw [Christian] Benteke at us, and that it was going to be hard to defend [against] him.
“But we fought during the second half, we gave a fight, and that’s why we earned the three points.”
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