New York City Football Club Interim Head Coach Nick Cushing has said his team will review and try to learn from Saturday's defeat to Columbus Crew.
The Boys in Blue fell 3-2 at Lower.com Field to end their seven-game unbeaten streak in MLS. A brace from Lucas Zelarayán alongside a goal from Cucho Hernández was enough to give the Crew the win on the night. A chastening evening for Cushing and his players, the Head Coach confirmed he will review the game to isolate areas of improvement defensively.
"It doesn't trouble me going forward but of course we'll review the game we'll look at it," Cushing said. "We'll look at where we can be better. We'll look at areas where we've given up chances. We just got to make sure we got on the training pitch and we minimize how many times they happen. Nobody is putting their eyes on you when you're playing really well at Red Bull and dominating the ball and nobody is asking questions in Dallas. We'll review the game like we normally do and we'll continue to push and make sure that we're prepared for Miami."
Cushing's players continued to push for a third goal until the very end, controlling possession through the game in pursuit of an equalizer. That commitment to the Club's playing style was admirable, and while it pleased the man on the sideline, it did not surprise him to see his players display such character.
"I am pleased but it doesn't surprise me," he said. "I know that these guys have an incredible desire and incredible hunger. They can continue to push this conference. We have a difficult stretch now. We know we're in a long stretch of away games because of our long stretch of home games through April and May, but you can see before when we've gone away that desire and the hunger to get a result. In Montreal we did everything to get a draw and again today but we're disappointed in the third goal. This team has a real heartbeat. We bring players off the bench and we go up a level. I am pleased but not surprised [by the character]."