New York City FC v. New England Revolution 2026 MLS Regular Season - Matchday 25 Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | Kickoff: 8:10pm ET Location: Citi Field | Queens, NY Television: Apple TV Radio (English/Spanish): New York City FC App | Tune In App newyorkcityfc.com/radio
NEW YORK CITY FC ASSISTANT COACH MEDHI BALLOUCHY
On preparing to face New England Revolution again... “I think you'll see two teams out there whose game ideas are pretty similar. We're both trying to impose our style of play and our way onto the other team. The game speaks for itself. It's obviously a massive game in the [Eastern] Conference, and both teams will be looking to take another step closer to the [MLS Cup] playoffs.”
On integrating Forwards Benie Traoré and Luighi while building chemistry in attack... “I think [Head Coach] Pascal [Jansen] alluded to it after the last game as well. I think the arrival of [Midfielder] Aiden [O’Neill] in the last half hour or so makes our midfield different. We can play through the lines much smoother, I should say. I think that gets [Forward] Nico [Fernández Mercau] into better positions. Between [Forward] Luighi and [Forward] Benie [Traoré], these guys have different qualities. Although it does show up at times, they're still two players who are adapting to everything we're doing. I'm talking about the League, the style, the new players, so many different things for them. To be fair to them, they're working really hard to be as productive as they want to be.”
NEW YORK CITY FC DEFENDER RAUL GUSTAVO
On the team's mindset after its recent form... “Of course, we're a little sad because the results haven't been positive. But we've been training really hard to get better and get back to winning as quickly as possible. Of course, we're not satisfied with the recent results because we've had too many draws and lost too many games. But mentally and physically we've been working really hard to change those results and get back to winning as quickly as possible.”
On returning from injury and playing multiple positions... “Of course, when you come back from an injury, you try to get back to your best, but you can't straight away because the other players are already ahead of you physically and in match condition. It's hard to be at the same physical level you were before. You have to train hard and make sure you do well in training so you can get your fitness back and help the team as quickly as possible. As for the position, [Head Coach] Pascal [Jansen] knows that I feel comfortable playing [multiple] positions... I just want to help New York City [FC]. Whatever position he puts me in, I'm going to give my best football and give my soul on the pitch.”
