New York City FC’s first-year defense was porous and a main reason for them missing the playoffs. They made the playoffs last season in year two, however they conceded the most regular season goals of any team to do so — and then they were promptly destroyed by Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
That year, they made the playoffs because of their offense, not their defense. This season was a different story. Patrick Vieira focused on improving City’s defense by bringing in Ben Sweat and Alexander Callens this past offseason, which immediately paid dividends.