Two steps forward, three steps back. You’ve all heard the old saying by now and this saying is so true when you look at NYCFC’s efforts in a listless 1-0 loss this past weekend in Houston. Maybe the warm, humid air down in south Texas isn’t conducive to winning. Maybe playing on the road doesn’t agree with the squad. Whatever the reason/excuse, dropping three points early in the season can come back to haunt you come this fall.
Who’s to blame?
As fans and pundits alike, we love to find a way to point fingers at someone so they can take the blame. Wins usually are credited to the players and assistant coaches; losses are usually pinned on the head coach. In this case, it’s easy to pin this loss on head head Nick Cushing. The match itself was a 1-0 loss which in other sports isn’t a massive collapse but this is soccer – a 1-0 loss is a three point loss in the MLS standings. NYCFC currently stands with a mediocre 2-2-1 overall record and seven points total which puts them in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference (overall 7th place.)
Power Rankings.
NYCFC ranked 8th in the MLS overall Power Rankings last week. With top players such as James Sands and Santiago Rodgriguez, this squad still has the ability to break through the ranks of the Eastern Conference. After a solid 3-2 win over DC United last week, NYCFC looked to be on track to move up the Power Rankings. Again, two steps forward, three steps back. NYCFC already put Richy Ledezma (on loan from PSV Eindhoven) into the match in the second half and immediately had an impact for the cause in Blue. Goal production is an early concern given the fact that NYCFC is -1 currently (five goals scored, six goals against.) 
Of course it’s not panic time with the 2023 season just starting to unfold. NYCFC is right in the middle of the mix but listless losses in March can and will come back to haunt you in September when every single point matters.
