3 things we learned during NYCFC's brutal 2-0 loss to Colorado

New York City FC's homestand came to an end with a disappointing result against the Colorado Rapids on a rainy Cinco de Mayo day in Queens. The team fell to the visitors for the first time in their history with a 2-0 loss. It was brutal not in the sense that they were struggling. Rather, they kept about 62 percent of the possession and still could not put the ball in the back of the net.

After being one of the best teams in MLS during April, NYCFC has not had the best start to the month like they wanted, with a visit from cross-river rivals the New York Red Bulls in less than two weeks. The good news is that Talles Magno came off the injured list and was an option for the first time in nearly two months.  

Though the boys in blue would want to forget about this game, here are three things we learned from the 2-0 loss to Colorado. 

3 things we learned from the first-ever loss to Colorado 

1. NYCFC are back to reality 

It has been a lot of fun for NYCFC in April, going undefeated the entire month. At the start of the season, one of their biggest kryptonites was losing matches while holding most of the possession. Their struggles returned after getting beaten in the final third by a very good attacking team.   

Also, Colorado was one of the better teams they had faced since March, which means that there’s work to be done if NYCFC wants to dominate against the stronger sides in MLS. The next match will not get any easier, with a trip to Canada with a clash versus Toronto FC. NYCFC already struggles away from home. Therefore, the road for the team is not expected to get easier anytime soon.   

2. When should we be concerned about Hannes Wolf ?

Wolf saw an odd start off the bench against Charlotte, where the attack was as good as ever. Wolf has not been able to be as effective as NYCFC would have liked, only recording one assist in 11 matches. Despite a 79 percent pass accuracy against Colorado, he only had five passes into the final third, completing only one dribble and losing six duels.   

This may also have to do with the slight changes in the attack each match. Failing to adjust can play into his playing time, especially with Magno back and Maxi Moralez close to returning. 

3. Revisiting the “Cushing Out” campaign 

The "Cushing Out" movement was put on hold last month after their undefeated run. However, many fans were displeased with the performance today as the movement looks to be back. Nick Cushing kept Julián Fernández on the bench for the most part, while his questionable tactic changes puzzle its fans.

He has also not utilized Jovan Mijatović, who was not even an option nor listed on the injured list. This brings concern for his future of the season, who was brought on in anticipation to play alongside Mounsef Bakrar at forward. It’s crunch time again for Cushing, who will need to pull off solid performances with back-to-back-to-back-to-back Eastern conferences showdowns this month, including the Hudson River derby on May 18.