NYCFC picked up right where they left off before the international break, extending their unbeaten streak to thirteen straight with a 4-2 win over the Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Union. Made all the more impressive considering the regular starters missing from the line-up, Saturdays performance by the Blues was nothing less than statement to the rest of the league.
“We think of ourselves as one of the top teams in the league so you have to go out everyday and be the best.” That was Ben Sweats reaction when asked why his team seems to step up their performance level against top sides. With victories over teams like L.A. Galaxy, D.C. United and Montreal, one cannot help but wonder if this NYCFC side is a heavy-weight contender.
“We are in the best form in the moment.” said coach Dome Torrent “It is not easy because everybody knows we lost just one game.”
That one loss came in the form of the 4-0 thrashing doled out by Toronto FC, but that was in March. Since that early season wake-up call NYCFC have been unbeatable, stringing together thirteen gritty performances anchored by a refreshed attacking front. But with stalwarts Heber and James Sands down due to injury, a shifting starting eleven is showing no lapses in consistency.
“Everybody on this team has a great attitude and a winning mind set.” said Keaton Parks “even the players that don’t play a lot, it starts in the locker room, we are always ready.
Ready seems to be the company line as a soccer hungry crowd came out in force with a season high 25,451 in attendance at Yankee Stadium to take in their revitalized team. “I’m very happy for our supporters” Torrent said “because we haven’t played at home for 20 days, 21 days, so this is for them.”
With top ranked Seattle coming up and the rekindling of the Hudson River Derby soon thereafter, NYCFC look well equipped for any challenge. Proving to be one of the better stories in MLS, they will have a chance to continue writing it Wednesday night in the Bronx.
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