MLS
NYCFC: What to know about Nick Cushing’s squad for the start of the 2023 MLS season
Cushing has only officially been in the job with NYCFC since early November and this season will be an opportunity to make his mark on the squad.
Nick Cushing, New York City’s 38-year-old head coach had to contend with plenty in his first season at the club. An Englishman in New York, it was time to pull his sleeves up and make the most of what he had in his squad.
Keaton Parks underwent blood clot surgery for the second time, forward Taty Castellanos left to join LaLiga club Girona, and the injury list grew.
Cushing has only officially been in the job since early November and this season will be an opportunity to really make his mark on the squad. Midfielder Maxi Moralez has joined Argentinian outfit Racing Club after six seasons with the club.
The club have also lost Brazilian forward Héber, who has joined Seattle, and goalkeeper Sean Johnson has left the club to join Toronto. NYCFC have, however, signed goalkeeper Matthew Freese from Philadelphia to replace Johnson.
Preseason preparations
New York City went to Orlando, Santa Barbara and LA for preseason training, playing friendly matches against Minnesota United, San Jose Earthquakes, LAFC and LA Galaxy.
Cushing has played a mix of first-team players, NYCFC II, and academy players.
Ahead of the new season, the former Manchester City Women’s boss told nycfc.com: “It’s a really exciting group for us as a Football Club.”
“We have first-team players, some of our MLS II team, and also academy players – players we really feel have real potential moving into the future of NYCFC.
“It’s been brilliant to get those group of players together. The senior leaders – Maxime Chanot, Alfredo Morales, Thiago Martins – have really led this group, helping the younger players, working off the pitch to make sure this group continues to move forwards, and continues to become a team that is progressing whilst we are recruiting, adding people like Mitja [Ilenic] into the group.
“Players like Talles Magno are hugely motivated this year. I’m really excited to continue to push him. Thiago Andrade wants to play more minutes so he’s using this preseason to show his ability to become a player who is on the teamsheet every week.
“In preseason, we have to make sure we consistently giving people opportunity but continue to put the demand and expectation on them. That’s the only way we are going to progress and improve our team.”
Who is Nick Cushing?
Cushing took over as the club’s interim head coach in June after the departure of Ronny Deila. With Cushing in the dugout, New York City finished third in the Eastern Conference and made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, becoming only the third team since 2010 to reach the Conference Finals the season after winning MLS Cup.
Having joined Manchester City in 2006, Cushing has been part of the City Football Group for 16 years. He started as a coach in the academy, before becoming the head coach of the Man City women’s team in 2013. He went on to become one of the most decorated coaches in the women’s game, leading City to the 2016 Super League title among other titles, and being named FA WSL Manager of the Year.
New MLS season
NYCFC will kick off the 2023 MLS season on 25 February when they visit Nashville SC at GEODIS Park. Kickoff gets underway at 4:30 pm ET.