This season was the best in NYCFC’s three-year history. The team amassed a record-high 57 points and 16 wins – good enough for 2nd place in MLS – and a guarantee of hosting MLS Cup final if they can make it all the way.
READ:2017 MLS Playoffs All You Need to Know
Let’s look back at five key games that helped determine the fate of the season.
March 12 vs. DC
After NYCFC’s home opener was sullied by a TFC comeback last season in a 2-2 draw – the boys in blue succeeded in making Game 1 in the Bronx this season a hot one despite below freezing temperatures. Goals from new signings Rodney Wallace and Maxi Moralez added to a standard David Villa brace at home to defeat D.C. United 4-0. Yankee Stadium continues to be one of the toughest places to play in MLS thanks to the team on the field and the fans in the stands.
April 29 at Columbus
One of great substance and a different kind of style that has been important to New York City FC’s success so far this season. The captain was sidelined, the opponent was one of the strongest in the conference, and the score was the wrong way around before a standout performance from the midfield triumvirate of Yangel Herrera, Alexander Ring, and Maxi Moralez showed the entire league just how much damage they can do.
Another Look: @YangelHerrera8 scores his first career @MLS goal pic.twitter.com/mZEokzKFGR
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) April 30, 2017
June 17 vs. Seattle
It’s only right that Seattle brought the rain to the Bronx for this midseason matchup. The defending MLS Cup champions came to town on Pride Day and started strong with Cristian Roldan giving the Sounders the lead before half. In a show of something that would go on to become a regular occurrence for the Boys in Blue – they stormed back to life on the strength of a David Villa brace in the second half – making the captain the fifth-quickest to 50 goals in MLS history, requiring just 78 matches to get there. A comeback win vs. the defending champs in the rain… very strong.
June 24 at Red Bulls
That’s how you get a monkey off your back. After a tough go vs. Red Bulls in the first two years of MLS play – NYCFC managed to turn it around in 2017 by winning the season series 2-0-1. That run got started by a cool, dominant 2-0 performance in Red Bull arena on this day. Beautiful goals from Jack Harrison and Ben Sweat got it done on offense while the defense held calm and resolute the entire way through. #NYisBLUE
August 12 at Los Angeles
Bad memories of a 5-1 loss late in the season at the Stubhub center in the inaugural season were vanquished on this night. Despite LA’s struggle this season – defeating Major League Soccer’s most successful team on the road was a marquee moment for NYC. The 90 minutes also functioned as a microcosm of the whole season – showcasing Sean Johnson doing his best brick wall impression, David Villa scoring another stunner, and the Hollywood introduction of electric rookie Jonathan Lewis.
All matches from here on out will be marquee… #MakeitHere
