After a sub-par inaugural campaign, New York City F.C. has turned everything around and the moment has finally come, the MLS Playoffs.
Remember this time last year? It wasn’t a good feeling wasn’t it, 25,000 supporters filled up Yankee Stadium in anticipation for the new club to make a splash. To paint the city blue and show the MLS why they deserved to be here.
That didn’t happen.
Instead, the boys in blue finished in 8th place and despite just coming in this league, they were expected to make the playoffs–at least. Legends such as Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Frank Lampard all came in with one goal and after not qualifying, the captain and veteran striker Villa stood in front of the NYCFC faithful and made one promise.
He promised us the playoffs and a year later, here we are ladies and gentlemen. NYCFC and the French gaffer are set to battle their arch rival Toronto FC tonight up north.
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It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for. This is the feeling that we were expecting once this club was announced. Even Patrick Vieira promised us silverware in his first press conference once he was appointed. He had a vision and he’s half way there.
Vieira came in and completely reassembled the NYCFC squad which was a little scary at first because you never know what to expect. But after bringing some key players such as Ronald Matarrita, Steven Mendoza, Federico Bravo and Frédéric Brillant.
He brought in different tactics, ideas and formations that helped players such as Thomas McNamara, RJ Allen and who can leave out Frank Lampard. The England native has revived his MLS career with one of the best comebacks ever.
As expected, Villa led his troops on the pitch putting on yet another stellar season with 23 goals. We also saw the young prince, Jack Harrison, the boy wonder and number one overall pick in this year’s draft.
Between the posts was none other than Josh Saunders who struggled in the beginning with Vieira’s defensive methods, but eventually adapted and came in the clutch at the right moments during the season.
Tonight, this new NYCFC squad has a chance to show the league they deserve that playoff slot. In all five matches against the Reds, NYCFC has yet to be handed a loss, but couldn’t find the three points in the 2016 campaign and instead settled for a draw on both occasions.
From Toronto, expect the usual suspects to threat. Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley.
NYCFC might not be at home, but when it comes to playing two legs, you always want to get the second match on your home turf, so NYCFC has the advantage in that aspect.
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Well, it’s time and the moment is here. NYCFC is in the playoffs and are half way there to bringing in that coveted MLS Cup, something that New York hasn’t seen. Now, there’s only one thing to do off the pitch and it’s something that’s been happening since Day 1, chant NYCFC loud and proud as it’s time to finish that final coat of blue paint.