New York City FC: A look back at the 2022 predictions

Prediction 1: New York City FC will finish third to sixth in the Eastern Conference

Like every year, it is extremely difficult to predict where New York City FC and other teams will finish in their conference.  Often, a game or two can make the difference between a top-table or mid-table finish.  In fact, in 2022, the Eastern Conference saw the fifth place team and eighth place team separated by a mere three points, which was the difference on making the playoffs. 

Plus, where a team finishes depends on signings, consistency, and how teams perform around them, and NYCFC was no different.  So, the final predictions was that the Pigeons would finish anywhere from third to sixth place, and make the playoffs. 

In 2021, the team was often streaky, so it was hard to say they could finish at the top of the table.  Then, there was quite a bit of uncertainty regarding the player personnel for 2022.  The idea was that they could finish in third or fourth if they signed contributing players, but also improve the depth of the bench.  Such moves were mostly made, and in the end, the Pigeons did finish in third place. 

But, there were some growing pains when Ronny Deila left in June, and Nick Cushing took over.  The summer months were mostly not kind to the team, and after being in first place back in June, they fell.  Fortunately, the solid first half, and then a decent finish to the regular season, saw NYCFC solidify third place.  So this prediction came true, but not entirely based on the changes made mid-season. 

It was thought that the Bronx side would win more than 14 games as well, and they did.  They ended up with 16 wins.  It was said they would find success again too.  While the team did not win the MLS Cup again, they did make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, and won another trophy thanks to the Campeones Cup.

In the end, the season was not perfect.  It was full of ups and downs, expected change and unexpected change, and harsh losses and incredible wins.  But with a third place regular season finish and another trophy in hand, New York City FC can safely say they had a good year.