Football Season Review

New York City FC overcame a slow start to enjoy their best season as an MLS franchise, finishing top of the pile in the Eastern Conference but once again failed to progress beyond the Conference semifinals in the playoffs. New York had to wait until the final week of April to register their first victory of the season but, once they opened their win account, the Blues hit a good run of form to quickly climb up the standings in the Eastern Conference. A brief dip in form followed midway through the campaign but New York ended the season strongly and a nine-match unbeaten run, during which New York won seven, ensured they would be finishing as the Eastern Conference champions for the first time in their history. There was marked improvement in all areas of the pitch with New York scoring more goals and conceding less compared to any other season in their short history while also ending the campaign with their biggest points haul. The offense of Heber, Moralez, Mitrita and Castellanos was as good as any and New York had the second best attacking record in the MLS, bettered only by Supporters' Shield winners Los Angeles FC. There was disappointment in the playoffs though as they failed to make it past the Conference semifinals stage for the fourth straight season and that is something Domenec Torrent will need to work on if New York are to emerge as genuine challengers for the MLS Cup next season

Player of the Season: Maxi Moralez