New York City FC (NYCFC) head coach Nick Cushing expressed disappointment after his team’s loss in Montreal on Decision Day, which landed them in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and set them up for a first-round playoff clash against Cincinnati. In a best-of-three series, two games will be played in Ohio. Cushing was frustrated that NYCFC missed the chance to overtake fourth-place Orlando, who lost on Decision Day, allowing Charlotte to move into fifth place and face Orlando in the playoffs instead.
NYCFC will face Cincinnati in the playoffs, knowing they need to win at least one of the two away games to advance in the MLS Cup. The team has struggled against Cincinnati this season, with a recent victory in October being a positive sign for NYCFC. Cushing emphasized the importance of playing bravely and taking their chances in the playoffs, treating each game as a new season.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese sees the playoffs as a clean slate and a chance for NYCFC to show improvement. Despite facing a strong Cincinnati team, Freese believes NYCFC can draw confidence from previous meetings this season. Defender Kevin O’Toole echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to string together wins in the playoffs.
The first game of the series will take place in Cincinnati on Monday, followed by a return trip to Citi Field and a potential series decider back in Cincinnati. NYCFC fans can look forward to an exciting playoff matchup and hope for a successful run in the MLS Cup.
