One of the biggest challenges thus far for New York City FC is the fact that they have not been able to gain a victory on the road.
They have gotten close as they have been able to gain draws against the ultra-tough New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium in their last road trip in April, but just haven’t been able to gain three points on the road yet.
The Boys in Blue are going to be going up against one of their more unique challenges as they are at BMO Field to take on Toronto FC. It is going to be unique because of the fact that the opposing goalkeeper is that of Sean Johnson.
Johnson who has had so many memorable moments in the net for New York City FC, now stands on the other side of the pitch, hoping to continue his quality of play but for the other team.
Sean made a total of 206 appearances while logging a whopping 18,660 minutes played and having an amazing 60 clean sheets in five years with NYCFC.
New York City FC and Toronto have had quite a rivalry, as they have played 22 times during the course of the time, they have been in Major League Soccer. Thus far Toronto has held the edge in winnings eight of the matches, while the Cityzens recorded seven victories.
NYCFC fans are encouraged to check out these thoughts from Head Coach Nick Cushing, as he and the team are hours away from playing Toronto FC:
In the last meeting between these two clubs, it was the Boys in Blue having a comeback performance at Citi Field claiming three points with the 2-0 victory.
If any team can figure out how to play positive on the road and against former teammates it is that of the 2023 version of NYCFC.
Especially the guys have played so brilliantly in the back-to-back matches at Citi Field, earning a 2-1 victory over Nashville and an 3-1 decision over FC Dallas.
One of the keys for the team’s success against Dallas is the fact that Head Coach Nick Cushing changed up the formation of the squad, as he was able to utilize Santiago Rodriguez to be in a position that allowed Talles Magno playing more in the wide of the left of the field.
In addition, the play of Maxime Chanot, Thiago Martins and Luis Barraza have all been huge in helping NYCFC in gaining three points at Citi Field.
Martins had these thoughts on going up against his former teammate Sean Johnson, on what it will take to get three points on the road and lots more:
It is going to be fascinating to see what Coach Cushing decides to do with his roster after an energetic week of training for the team as he and the rest of the guys look for a huge three points on the road in Toronto FC.
For more information on New York City FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: