After the whistle blew, signaling the end of the first-ever draw between New York City FC and the Red Bulls, NYCFC Head Coach Patrick Vieira praised his side's maturity and commitment.
READ: Match Recap: NYCFC 1-1 Red Bulls
It's the kind of commitment that NYCFC has displayed not just in this match, but over the course of a season that has seen them produce results despite adverse conditions time and time again.
"The thing that I love about the team this year," Vieira told reporters, "is that we are getting a better balance between playing well, trying to make the right decisions, and taking risks.
"I think we've been less naive this year than we were last year, and that is, as well, me understanding better the league and understanding better what I want from the players. That is why I believe we are a better team this year than we were last year."
After fending off the Red Bulls' characteristic high press through the first 45 minutes in New Jersey, Vieira's side came out strong in the second half taking the lead in the 56th minute via Maxi Moralez.
When asked about what Maxi and fellow new editions Alexander Callens and Yangel Herrera, who was suspended for the Derby, bring to the team, Vieira explained that it's not just the newcomers who have stepped up down the final stretch of the regular season.
"When you have good players around, players who can win balls, can play when in possession, the game can become a bit more easy," noted the Gaffer.
"If you look at Mikey's performance today, I think he was really solid and he helped Alexander Ring in the midfield quite really well.
"We have players who are playing international, we have players coming back from injuries. I think, when we have everybody ready, we will give ourselves a chance to finish in a good way."
At the end of the night, though it may not have sealed a season sweep of the Hudson River Derby, a point on the road is a big point gained. As the season enters its final stretch, Vieira knows just how important that is.
Patrick put it bluntly: "I will take the points, and I'm really happy with the points because we played against a really good team who make it really difficult for us, so I'm happy with the points.
"When you look at the quality of the teams, I think you have to concede a few chances, but when you look at the 93 minutes, I think we did quite well."
