Nick Cushing revealed Matias Pellegrini has been desperate to record his first NYCFC goal.
The Argentine forward recorded his first assist for NYCFC seven days ago against Portland Timbers and built on that with an outstanding scissor-kick attempt in the 33rd minute against CF Montréal.
Pellegrini's strike would ultimately prove to be the game's only goal, and hand NYCFC their first road win of 2023. Speaking afterward, Cushing revealed he had predicted Saturday would see Pellegrini net his first goal for NYCFC.
"I told him yesterday that he would score because I really believed that," Cushing said.
"You see tonight, he trains the way he plays. He's had some small injuries because he's gone from not playing any football over the last two and a half seasons to playing every preseason game, training every day, and being really important for us.
"He was he's been really honest that he's been disappointed that he hasn't added a goal. He's missed chances at times and he maybe hasn't been in position.
"He's had a real desire not only to work for the team but to score a goal and make an impact for the team. I think he had a real desire today to not only work hard and play his part in the system but also be an important player."
Cushing also hailed the work of his team defensively, describing it as a 'huge positive'.
The Boys in Blue were able to record their third clean sheet in six games on Saturday against a Montréal side that had won their last six league games at Stade Saputo.
Operating with a back three comprising Justin Haak, Maxime Chanot, and Tayvon Gray, the trio repelled countless Montréal attacks alongside goalkeeper Luis Barraza.
"My job as the coach is to find ways to not only win football games but also make sure that we stabilize the team.
"I think with three in the back, adding an extra defender takes away a little bit of our offense, but it also makes sure that we can get a foothold in games.
"I've asked the team to do one thing; that's in times of chaos or in times when we are a little bit under pressure just revert to the principles of the team.
He went on to add: "The nature of our league means the home team will put you under pressure and you look at Montréal they are throwing balls in the box, but I thought Justin Haak was excellent tonight.
"Maxime Chanot is Maxime Chanot, he is a leader, and Tayvon Gray has found some real form of late playing inside. It [the clean sheets] has been a huge positive for us and gave us a chance to get results."
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