New York City FC: Three realistic predictions for 2022
1. New York City FC will finish third to sixth in the Eastern Conference
One of the hardest aspects to predict of the MLS season is where a team will finish in their conference, and New York City FC is no exception. Last year, it was predicted the team would finish anywhere from fourth to seventh, and where they finished would depend on signings and consistency.
Last season, the Pigeons were streaky, and struggled with consistency. Of course, the team became hot at the right time, and ended up winning the MLS Cup. So, this year is no different: where they finish will depend on the signings, consistency, and how teams perform around them. Teams around the league are only getting better as well.
Plus, last season, second through seventh place in the Eastern Conference was separated by a mere six points. One less win could have seen the Pigeons on the outside looking in with the playoffs, and the battle for those playoff positions was tight throughout the majority of the year.
Consequently, based on last season, and the questions that remain with NYCFC’s inconsistencies, the team will make the playoffs for the seventh year in a row, and finish somewhere between third and sixth place. Where they finish will depend once again on whether they can sign a couple of contributing players, and whether they can play more consistently and not be as streaky. And, with the expectation of the Eastern Conference being close like it was in 2021, the Pigeons finishing in third or sixth could be decided by a win or two.
Now, it is difficult to predict with confidence that the NYCFC could finish in first or second place. The side’s abilities to win and close out games can be impacted throughout the year depending on how far they advance in the CONCACAF Champions League and US Open Cup, and when players miss matches for international duty. Signing solid backup players would surely help, but nonetheless, the team will lose vital players like Alexander Callens and Maxime Chanot to international duty. Then, rotation will be a must during the more crowded periods of the schedule, resulting in the need for more depth.
Also, it has to be stressed again: other teams in the East are improving too. Whether it is through signings or player development, there will be many playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference. Yes, NYCFC will use the likes of Magno and Thiago more often, and thus improving the attack, but so far it is difficult to say the team overall has improved. The only signings thus far have been Homegrown signings, and they will mainly play with the MLS Next Pro side in 2022. They will also lose Castellanos, either before the season starts or during the summer.
Like last year, there are still many questions about what the team will do in 2022. The difference this year is that the fans have a higher level of confidence in Deila, and the Pigeons are rolling off a MLS Cup win. That should enhance the confidence of the returning players, and hopefully get the team off to a fast start. Ideally, NYCFC should do better in the regular season, and win more than 14 games. They will be playoff contenders too.
These predictions have been proven wrong in the past, and maybe the Bronx side will take the league by storm this season. Anything can happen in this league. But New York City FC should, and will, have a good season. They will compete, and find success again in 2022.
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