Domestic domination is a rare sight in the MLS. While sides have claimed successive MLS Cup titles, the sides at the top come and go far more often in the US than in Europe, where the late stage or high finishes for top sides of domestic and continental competitions are annual.
Factor this into NYCFC’s previous and current season and their performance is actually quite impressive. They finished just three points off first last season and are in contention to finish high up in the Eastern Conference once more.
A season and a half may be little to go off of, but at the moment, the fact that it makes up just over half of their existence to date highlights how impressive they have been.