What’s Wrong with the Offense?

Last season, New York City FC led all of MLS in goals scored at 62. While the defense left much to be desired, one thing Patrick Vieira and company were committed to was the idea that they will score more goals than they give up. The insistence was on playing “beautiful soccer”, playing out of the back, and dominating possession - all with the idea of wearing out their opponents and creating as many chances to go at goal as possible. Playing out of the back had its foibles, to say the least, but over the course of a full season it worked. City finished second in the Eastern Conference, earning a 1st round bye, and the fourth most points in the entire league. The impressive turnaround felt sure, though, after the club was dressed down by Toronto FC on their way to losing to the Seattle Sounders in MLS Cup.

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