2017 Record: 16-9-9 second place in the Eastern Conference
Coach: Patrick Vieira
Key Additions: FWD Jo Inge Berget (Malmo FF), DEF Cedric Hountondji (Gazelec), FWD Jesus Medina (Club Libertad), MID Ebenezer Ofori (VfB Stuttgart), GK Brad Stuver (Columbus), MID Ismael Tajouri (Austria Wein), DEF Anton Tinnerholm (Malmo FF), and DEF Saad Abdul Salaam (Sporting KC)
Key Departures: DEF Frederic Brilliant (DC United), MID Jack Harrison (Manchester City), DEF RJ Allen (Orlando), MID Khiry Shelton (Sporting KC), and MID Andrea Pirlo (retired)
The Big Question: Who will score besides David Villa?
NYCFC was very active in the off season but have yet to see the results. They have not won a game and only scored 3 goals this preseason. Patrick Vieira experimented with his line up most games playing academy players and trialists, but Saturday’s match against Montreal gave a first sighting of what looks to be the starting eleven. The new designated player, Jesus Medina, and Rodney Wallace joined Villa up top to start. This proved fruitful as Villa scored a brace and probably could have had two more. Villa cannot be the only threat, though. Medina saw his first real time on Saturday going the full 90 and looked a bit lost at times. He is pacey and makes good runs but it remains to be seen if he is worth the DP slot. If he can score to take pressure off Villa and either Wallace, Jonathan Lewis or Ismael Tajouri can prove a valid replacement for Jack Harrison then NYCFC could be a very potent threat on the attack.
Jo Inge Berget is the wildcard of the new additions. He joined the team several weeks ago but has not been able to play or practice because of Visa issues. He watched Saturday’s match from the stands. He was Malmo’s leading goal scorer last year and has seen time in the Premiere League. He could be the answer if Villa get injured or called away for international duty.
Area to keep an eye on: Defense
Last year NYCFC had a stable back line but not a great one. Adding Anton Tinnerholm and getting Ronald Matarrita back from injury should strengthen both the attack and the pace at the back. Tinnerholm and Matarrita are both good with their feet and love to attack up the flank. they provide good service and are both solid defenders. The question is if they can provide the spark up front and recover in time to stop a counter from the opposing team. Vieira likes to play a 4-3-3 but Tinnerholm and Matarrita give him the option of switching to three at the back. He has tried this in the past but never quite had three players to pull it off. With the new additions this year he might be able to pull it off.
Outcome: first to fourth place
There is a lot to like about what NYCFC have done in the off season. They are a super deep team now at every position and should have the quality to compete at any level against anyone. David Villa should push for MVP honors again this season and their attack could develop into something that all teams will fear. That being said, The Eastern Conference is packed with really good teams and it will be a scrap for playoff standings. Toronto, Atlanta, Orlando, Chicago, and The Red Bulls have all gotten better. It is really anyone’s game and the season will hinge on a few hard fought draws or one goal victories. NYCFC have every bit of quality to claim first place this year but they could also fall down the ladder with some unlucky losses.
NYCFC
MLS
