Kreis wants ‘more’ from NYCFC
GOING UNDEFEATED through the first three games in franchise history was, in the words of New York City FC coach Jason Kreis, “acceptable.”
But Kreis is chasing perfection, and that pursuit will go through Sporting KC on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
“To get three points out of a home game and one point on the road, that at a baseline is acceptable,” said Kreis, whose squad (1-0-2) is trying to win for the second time in two home games. “But do I think there could have been more? Absolutely.”
Unlike during the home opener on March 15, NYCFC is closing off the upper levels to fans while keeping the capacity crowd at around 27,000. As of Friday morning, there were approximately 1,500 tickets available, according to a team officia l.
With all the talk about the field transformation and narrow dimensions at Yankee Stadium, Kreis said the biggest reason to always expect three points was in the stands.
“Home-field advantage for us will be what our crowd can give us. That’s what I ask for from our fans, from our diehard fans — come and be loud,” he said. “And really create an atmosphere that’s daunting for our opponents. I don’t think it’s ever about the stadium or the surface or the size of the field. It’s what the fans can do for us and I think they can do a lot.”
Kreis’ depth will be tested for the first time Saturday, as he’ll be without five regular players — Adam Nemec, Khiry Shellton, Josh Williams, Shay Facey and Sebastian Velasquez — who are out due to either injury, suspension or international duty.
“I’ve said we have some really great players who haven’t had big opportunities yet,” Kreis said. “With every injury, with every international call-up, with every reason players will be missing, comes opportunity
XAVI UPDATE: Not long after Kreis questioned Wednesday whet her Xavi Hernandez was a good fit as NYCFC’s third designated player, news broke in Spain that the Barcelona midfielder had agreed to a lucrative three-year deal with a Qatari club team.
Xavi, 35, had been linked to NYCFC for over a year.