Fresh off a statement road victory over the Columbus Crew, New York City FC is looking to carry that momentum into another critical Eastern Conference matchup as they prepare to host the Chicago Fire this weekend.
Head coach Pascal Jansen emphasized that Wednesday’s win was exactly the response his team needed after an inconsistent finish before the FIFA World Cup break. The victory also carried historical significance, marking NYCFC’s first win in Columbus since 2017, although Jansen admitted he only learned about that statistic after the final whistle.
“We just wanted to get a good start after the break,” Jansen said. “A massive compliment to the team, how they came out and presented themselves against a very strong side in a very tough away game.”
The match also featured the debuts of two important summer additions: James Sands and Bénie Traoré. Jansen praised both players while acknowledging that Traoré is still building fitness after arriving following an offseason.
Traoré, signed to replace some of the attacking qualities lost after Alonso Martínez’s departure, brings the vertical pace and versatility NYCFC had been searching for throughout the transfer window.
“We were looking for a profile that would give us that ability to play with vertical movement,” Jansen explained. “He can play in the middle and on the wing, and that gives us a lot of opportunities in the attacking line.”
Sands, meanwhile, showcased the versatility that made him such a valuable addition. Although initially expected to feature in midfield, circumstances saw him slot into the back line against Columbus.
Jansen reiterated that the U.S. international’s ability to play multiple positions will be invaluable during a congested stretch of fixtures.
With Chicago arriving in the Bronx, NYCFC faces a different kind of challenge. The Fire recently replaced departing striker Hugo Cuypers with global superstar Robert Lewandowski, dramatically changing their attacking profile.
“It’s a different profile,” Jansen said. “We expect Lewandowski to play, and we’re aware of the changes that brings.”
Forward Malachi Jones echoed his coach’s optimism while stressing that NYCFC’s ambitions remain unchanged despite a tightly packed Eastern Conference table.
“We’re aspiring for first place if possible,” Jones said. “Anything short of that is not what we’re aiming for.”
Jones also reflected on his personal journey after missing significant time through injury, saying he now approaches every appearance with greater appreciation.
“The biggest thing is not to take anything for granted,” Jones explained. “I learned to appreciate the opportunity to step onto the field with this group every single game.”
While Jones admitted facing a player of Lewandowski’s caliber is special, he made it clear where his priorities lie.
“He’s someone you grew up watching, but during the game it’s about getting the three points,” Jones said. “The admiration can come afterward.”
With renewed confidence, new signings settling into the squad, and a home crowd eager to welcome the team back after the World Cup break, NYCFC will be looking to build on its breakthrough victory in Columbus and continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings.
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