New York City FC prevailed over Eastern Conference foes Toronto FC 3-0 to move one step closer to qualifying for the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs.
The venue was changed from Yankee Stadium - the New York Yankees of the MLB were playing at home on Saturday - to Red Bull Arena, home of rivals New York Red Bulls, and the the game was postponed an extra day due to a water main break.
However, none of that fazed NYCFC as they were in complete control against Toronto despite the setbacks and changes.
Andres Perea kicked-off the scoring in just the second minute, and Andres Jansson added another late in the first half to double NYCFC's advantage. Not even 10 minutes into the second 45, Julian Fernandez added a third to extend the home side's lead to 3-0.
"I think the team is growing every week playing with the profile of number nine we have in Mounsef Bakrar," NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing said after the win. "I think Julian Fernandez is growing all the time, we managed to get Alonso Martinez on the field today."
Cushing went on to explain that he believes his side might be hitting form at the perfect time with the regular season coming to a close in a few weeks: "I think we're starting to build chemistry.
"I think [the recent success] is because they're just working. They're a really honest group of guys. I think they are trying and have tried to find ways of getting results and better performances every week. The team is working incredibly hard on the training field and I'm proud of that," Cushing added.
With just three games remaining in the regular season campaign, Cushing and his squad are focused only on what's in front of them.
"Now we're in a position where we just have to get the job done," said Cushing. "We have to make sure we get enough points to keep us in this position or jump one place higher. All we can do is concentrate on our games. We have two difficult road games now finishing with a home game. Over the last two games we got the job done, now we have to focus on the next one."
The Boys In Blue sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference table with 37 points, and they'll be looking to hold on to the last playoff spot as they take on the in-form Inter Miami on September 30 at DRV PNK Stadium.
NYCFC rounds off their regular season with a trip to Audi Field to take on DC United on October 7, and a home clash on October 21 with Chicago Fire.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Nick Cushing: NYCFC 'just have to get the job done' in final three games.
