New York City FC went into the month of April winless in four matches, a stretch of zero points that reached its low point with a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Toronto FC on March 29.
The calls for head coach Dome Torrent came loud and clear, critics going back to how NYCFC finished the 2018 season after Torrent replaced departed head coach Patrick Vieira.
But Torrent and his staff have turned NYCFC into a contender since that day at BMO Field. Following Saturday’s 2-0 win at Montreal, they’re undefeated in six straight matches with a 3-1-6 record and 15 points overall, right in the thick of the top teams in the East.
"It was a fantastic game for us because it is not easy to play here. They defended really well the last three or four games," said Torrent after the match. "But I’m very happy because I remember last year how many problems we had and right now the feeling is much better…My feeling is they are happy to play in this system, 3-4-3. Sometimes soccer is about the feeling and the feeling is much better."
Torrent himself admitted he was in trouble the week after NYCFC's 3-3 draw at Minnesota. But his club responded with a 2-0 win at D.C. United in April 21, and the hot seat seems to have cooled down.
Torrent hasn’t abandoned his system entirely, and has expressed belief in his players despite all of the draws and few wins. The players appear to have bought into his approach, and it’s showing on the pitch.
