3 things we learned from NYCFC's devastating playoff loss to the Red Bulls

On Saturday, New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls played in the Eastern Conference Finals of the MLS Cup Playoffs.  This was the first Hudson River Derby to occur in the postseason, and fans of both sides were excited to watch the match.

NYCFC knew the importance of the game.  Yes, they wanted to move on in the playoffs.  However, they wanted to sweep the Red Bulls entirely in 2024, for they won both matches in the regular season.  Plus, they did not want to lose to their rivals in the postseason.

Unfortunately, the Pigeons lost.  Despite outshooting the New Jersey side 26 to nine, NYCFC lost 2-0 at Citi Field.  They could not find the back of the net and had many issues throughout the game.  The stats show they dominated in most categories, but poor passes and miscommunication led to some of the scoring problems.

It stinks the season ended the way it did.  Truthfully, NYCFC should have scored and at least forced extra time.  That did not happen, so here are three things we learned from the playoff exit.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s playoff loss to RBNY

1. The goal-scoring struggles returned for NYCFC

The biggest issue in the match was that NYCFC could not find the back of the net.  As mentioned, the Boys in Blue had 26 shots.  They also had most of the possession despite losing the ball over 20% of the time.  Offensively, they were the stronger side.  However, the statistic that mattered the most, goals, is where they fell short.

Hence, the goal-scoring struggles returned at the worst time.  Some might argue they have been back since the Pigeons failed to score in three of the last four games.  However, when one looks at the first and third games against FC Cincinnati in the first round, NYCFC struggled offensively.  But they have played well in the last home games, scoring three goals in each fixture.

The offensive output means the team should have scored. The inability to capitalize on opportunities that haunted them multiple times struck at a horrible time.

2. Nick Cushing did not coach well

Head Coach Nick Cushing has been under the critical microscope often since taking over in the summer of 2022.  He was better in 2024 but there were still so many issues throughout the season.  The problems with the head coach were on full display during the loss to the Red Bulls.

Too often, Cushing cannot adapt and change his tactic when NYCFC is losing.  After 25 minutes, the Queens side was down 2-0.  After not scoring by halftime, one would have thought he would make adjustments.  Instead, he kept utilizing the same tactics and did not make any player changes.  Again, the team was threatening in the attack, but clearly they could not break down the Red Bulls.  Great coaches make tactical changes that can lead teams to a chance at a comeback.  The Englishman did not do that.

Moreover, Cushing did not make his first substitution until the 74th minute.  NYCFC was down 2-0, and then he waited until then to make a change.  Plus, he only brought on three players when he could have brought on two more.  These actions, or lack of, were frustrating to watch.

3. NYCFC’s 2024 season is over

Finally, the most obvious thing to take away from the game is that NYCFC’s 2024 season has come to an end.  The Red Bulls embarrassed the Pigeons in front of their home supporters.  There is no easier way to say that.

The loss will sting for a while, but ideally, the club will immediately focus on 2025.  There will be some player changes as there are every year, but fans should expect a good portion of the core to be back next season.  Maxi Moralez is questionable and might have played his last match for the team.  Hopefully, that is not the case, for the veteran still plays well.

As a whole, this was an okay season.  It would have been better if NYCFC was not so streaky and won a few more games.  Plus, beating the Red Bulls in the playoffs would have made things a little sweeter.  Sadly, that did not happen.