NYCFC needs defensive help, especially at the left-back and right-back positions

New York City FC and the rest of Major League Soccer are in the middle of the World Cup break. The Pigeons will play after the tournament, which is a good thing with all of their injuries. The team also needs reinforcements, especially at the starting striker position. But there is the argument that they really need defensive help.

Some might look at NYCFC's roster and think that is a little crazy. But when one looks at the backline, the idea is not so crazy. Kevin O'Toole is out injured and had surgery on his groin and abdomen. Drew Baiera tore his ACL, leaving Tayvon Gray without a true backup since Mitja Ilenič is out on loan and is 99% likely to stay in Europe.

The main reason why NYCFC needs defensive help is that some defenders are not cutting it for the team. The backline has not been their best this year, as seen in the 4-4 draw with FC Cincinnati. The backline was completely dismantled in a match they should have won.

NYCFC needs defenders

But then some players are not always reliable. Strahinja Tanasijević is the best example. The center-back is a liability in the defense and has made consequential mistakes during his tenure with NYCFC. He has barely played this season; it might be smart to send him elsewhere during the summer.

Nico Cavallo is another one that the Pigeons should consider moving on from. He has been filling in for O'Toole while the starting left-back is out. But Cavallo, who signed after being drafted before the 2025 campaign, has not played at the level that he should have. Too often, opposing players move past him. He is not the best going forward, but even that puts the Boys in Blue at risk defensively.

Instead, NYCFC should trade the player and seek out another starting left-back to compete with O'Toole. Even the starter has declined in 2026, and healthy competition is better for the squad. At the same time, the club needs to bring in another right-back who could play if Gray is unable to. The other center-backs should not have to shift into the spot, and nobody has proven that they can comfortably play in the position.

In complete honesty, bringing in new fullbacks is a little more important than bringing in another center-back. However, if NYCFC can find a center-back who can act as a strong depth piece, then they should try to sign or trade for that player.

While it has not always been positive, Pascal Jansen can utilize Thiago Martins, Raul Gustavo, and Kai Trewin as the starting center-backs. Gustavo and Trewin have both had frustrating moments, especially Gustavo. Trewin has played more as a defensive midfielder, though.

When all is said and done, NYCFC must enter the secondary transfer window seeking defenders, especially a right-back and left-back. The other defenders need to step up as well. On paper, they are better than they have been.

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