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Riding the wave of momentum after New York City FC dismantled NY RedBulls away this last weekend 5-1, the club proved it was not a fluke by beating FC Cincinnati at home 3-2. Strangely, because of the baseball schedule, both the home and away matches happened on the same pitch at Red Bull Arena.
New York City started strong again against Cincinnati and were rewarded with a nice goal from outside the box by Mitja Ilenic in the sixteenth minute. Alonzo Martizez doubled the score early in the second half with a nice turn of his own off a break by Santi Rodriguez.
Oct 2, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Santiago Rodriguez (10) scores a goal on a penalty kick against FC Cincinnati in the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Luciano Acosta capitalized on a penalty to bring Cincy within striking distance before Rodriguez would score his own penalty kick to put New York City up for good. Cincy made it even more interesting in extra time with Corey Baird scoring off a corner kick, but New York City held on and got all three points. The win was the first time New York had scored three goals in back-to-back wins since the 2022 playoffs.
Oct 2, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC defender Mitja Ilenic (35) and FC Cincinnati defender Kevin Kelsy (19) battle for the ball in the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Nick Cushing spoke about the importance of the win after the match, “Momentum is everything going into playoffs, ending the season strong and with a good feeling. Having something to hold onto, to build the group into playoffs was what got us the MLS cup and what got us the Conference Final. Of course, tactics and all those things [play a part]. However, at this stage of the season, the teams that go in with momentum are the teams that can advance. We know we’re in a place where we are now fighting for position, and there are many top teams playing well. For us, to go in with a good record against top teams is important.”
Alonzo Martinez also spoke about the importance of a strong finish, “We have to continue, be focused on what we have to do so far, and I think that our teammates also are helping us to improve for the playoffs. Finish these games and now comes the playoffs.”
These game are important as New York City try to leap over Orlando into a home playoff spot (likely Red Bull Arena again because of the baseball playoffs). The team will have two more games to do it and will need another home result against Nashville this weekend to keep pace in the table. Can NYC keep riding the momentum and turn these past two good results into a end of the season streak? Time will tell.
