Everybody knew the first half of this season would be tough as far as personnel was concerned. Coming off of a disappointing 2020 season in which they were dealt another swift exit from the playoffs, New York City FC entered 2021 with their usual first-choice striker, Héber, out until at least the summer with a serious knee injury. This left Taty Castellanos as the club’s only true striker, a daunting situation that was exasperated by the lack of depth in the attack when it came to the wingers.
But all things considered, things weren’t all that bad to start the season.