NYCFC schedule can lead to a path for the playoffs

This is repeated often, but New York City FC is in the midst of a rough patch.  In Major League Soccer, the team is winless in their last seven, and have a record of 0-5-2.  It did not help that they went on the road for four games, and afterwards welcomed the top teams in the Eastern Conference to New York. 

That being said, poor refereeing could have aided in the loss against FC Cincinnati, and then the lack of goals led to the draw against the New England Revolution.  The loss to the Philadelphia Union cannot be defended though.

Now, NYCFC will finish the month of June by playing away from home in three of their four remaining matches.  Even worse, the July MLS fixtures are the same, for three of the four will be on the road.  This is concerning for fans, and rightfully so.

But the Revolution match hints that the Pigeons are close to breaking the winless spell, and these upcoming fixtures might allow for such an event.  Half of their upcoming away fixtures are against teams in the bottom half of their respective conferences, including the ninth place Real Salt Lake this upcoming weekend.

NYCFC can find a way to make the playoffs

Of course, New York City FC played against bottom of the table sides during their long road trip, and could not grab a win.  This is recognized, but perhaps the team is almost where they should be in order to grab road points and wins.  There is one caveat though: the team must score goals.  Yes, there is a lack of a talented striker, but others currently on the team should be scoring more.

Still, if NYCFC can find some points over their next eight games, and if the team makes the right signings in July, then there is a path for the playoffs.  Ideally, a striker that can make an impact right away will be signed and ready to go in the beginning of the month.  Next, another center-back is necessary, for the Pigeons do not truly have someone who can confidently back up Maxime Chanot and Thiago Martins week in and week out.  A few depth pieces are required as well.

Then, after the Leagues Cup, there will be ten MLS matches remaining, and seven will be at home.  By that time, there is a path forward to the playoffs.  Yet, the team must be gelled together, and players must score.  Furthermore, six of those ten fixtures are against, at least at this time, teams that sit in eighth place or below. 

As a result, the playoffs are not gone yet.  There is a path forward, especially when looking at the schedule.  However, the goals need to occur before a striker is brought in, and some points must be earned on the road.  But if everything can come together, especially for those final ten games, then New York City FC might just make it to the postseason.