In case you haven’t noticed yet, New York City FC has played 18 games already - just over 50% of the MLS regular season. And through this point in the campaign the Boys in Blue have emerged as an elite team, tied for third place in the Supporters Shield race on points and third overall in goal differential. Much of this has been accomplished by a new-look defense led by Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callens and net-minder Sean Johnson, who have all made an immense difference in the club in 2017.
But don’t get it twisted, folks: this team is still all about putting the ball in the back of the net.