NYCFC is on the right track, no matter what happens in the 2025 postseason

After 33 games in the regular season and one left to play, New York City FC is 17-11-5 with 56 points. The Boys in Blue have had some impressive wins, like the comeback win in Florida against Orlando City SC. There were also the fantastic wins against FC Cincinnati, both at home and on the road. There were some losses that should not have taken place, like the home D.C. United loss.

However, growing pains can be common when a team has a new head coach. NYCFC hired Pascal Jansen in the offseason, and arguably, this has been a good season in his first year. In fact, one could say that the Pigeons are on the right track regardless of what happens in the final match and in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

NYCFC is on the right track

There is no question that NYCFC struggled during the tenure under Nick Cushing. While the team made the playoffs last year, it was clear as day that they were not playing to their full potential.

Under Jansen, even in losses, fans could see what the new head coach was doing. It was not easy, and it is still not, for Major League Soccer is never a walk in the park. But after 17 matches, it was obvious he had the potential to bring the Bronx side into a position where they could compete for trophies again.

In addition, after 17 games, NYCFC was 7-6-4. In the last 16, the team has produced a 10-5-1 record. Plus, if they win the final fixture of the regular season against Seattle Sounders FC, then the side will match their highest win total of 18, which they accomplished in 2019. Therefore, Jansen has already done wonders for the club and has improved the team significantly since June.

Of course, figuring out the best Starting XI has helped. Then, the addition of Nicolás Fernández Mercau has also helped. Fans are still waiting for the Argentine to produce when it comes to goals and assists. The way he plays and the ability he has to contribute to attacking sequences have improved the team as well. A full season with Fernández Mercau will probably bring out the best of him in 2026.

One cannot forget about Aiden O'Neill either. The midfielder has been vital, especially with Keaton Parks missing the majority of the season. NYCFC always plays better when Parks is healthy, but his injury history makes the acquisition of O'Neill an intelligent move by the club.

With a better head coach and some new players, NYCFC is on the right track. Football is cruel, and they could lose the rest of their matches. But based on the trend after 33 MLS games, it is easy to declare that the team can only go up from here.