New York City FC are off to a strong start in their inaugural season in Major League Soccer, earning four points from their first two matches to find themselves in a tie atop the Eastern Conference standings. But, unlike European soccer, where there is no salary cap so long as you can avoid losing too much money, the MLS’ salary cap structure doesn’t allow a team to buy themselves into instant contention. So what’s been behind their strong start?
1. They Have Fans!
One of the most intriguing aspects of NYCFC was their claim to being the only MLS team to play within the five boroughs of New York City, unlike the New Jersey dwelling Red Bulls. By being more accessible to the city’s soccer community than a team in Harrison, New Jersey, attendance was expected to be good from the start, and it certainly has been.
For their first home match against the New England, NYCFC had 43,507 fans at Yankee Stadium, a venue that has been complained about by fans for being a poor soccer stadium. The Seattle Sounders, famous for having the most dedicated fan base in MLS from a quantity perspective, average about 45,000 fans per game after becoming established in the league for years. Playing in a vibrant community with a love for the sport, New York City could be right up there with them in that department.
2. You Can’t Lose If They Can’t Score
NYCFC’s defense has been suspect at times, with their opponents getting scoring chances that may have resulted in goals on certain days. But those days haven’t come, as City have only allowed one goal through their first two matches, which is remarkable for a team that wasn’t a team that fully existed until the beginning of this season.
And let’s not forget that their one goal conceded this season came on a beautiful free kick from the legendary Kaka, a shot that very few players in the world could have scored with. So they’ve allowed zero goals from open play, and would have a clean sheet through two matches if not for a brilliant free kick from a legend. City fans and management will consider that a resounding success.
Previously I’d mentioned that City’s defense has looked suspect at times. So how have they prevented open play goals despite not being tidy at the back? Josh Saunders, that’s how.
Saunders has made four saves through two matches, including some vital ones in the late stages in their season opener at Orlando City to keep NYCFC up 1-0 prior to the Kaka free kick goal. Saunders even ended up taking a blow to the head and bleeding while on the field, but still continued to stop threats from the Floridian side. If the City back line can continue to help Saunders by not forcing him into too many saves, and if Saunders can keep making the saves he’s been called upon to make, the wins will continue for NYCFC.
3. A Perfect Mix Of Young And Old
MLS is often chided by soccer snobs as a retirement league, a place for players past their prime to get a few more checks before calling it quits for good. And, to an extent, those people are right. But when an older player like David Villa can team up with a young star like Mix Diskerud, the results can be great to watch.
Diskerud scored the first goal in club history against Orlando City, curling a ball inside of the far post in traffic, showing the kind of touch that American soccer fans will be craving heading into the 2018 World Cup cycle. Villa, meanwhile, opened his NYCFC account in game number two against New England, proving that he will still be a threat in his new surroundings.
What’s encouraging here is that Villa, a seasoned veteran at the top of European soccer, can impart his wisdom upon the young players on NYCFC and help them become better players. And unless they all get moved elsewhere, that professional growth will happen within the City squad, making everyone better as they go along. This not only aids with immediate success for the team, but will help to establish a culture of success going forward.
New York City are off to a dream start. But, unless they want to be a clone of the Red Bulls, they’ll need to turn that start into trophies at some point. For now though, they’ll be happy with their first two weeks.