This article was written after recording The Designated Pundits‘s New York City FC preview for the 2026 MLS Season with special guest Tom Sweezy from “MLS Aces.” You can find that video on Spotify below.
2025 Recap
New York City FC made it to the Eastern Conference finals in 2025. They finished as the no. 5 seed, but had favorable matchups and results against Charlotte and Philadelphia Union, before eventually 5-1 falling to the eventual MLS Cup Champions Inter Miami.
NYCFC got to where they were by playing tight defense. They allowed only 44 goals, which tied for third fewest in the East. Their 50 goals scored was 9th, and their goal differential was 8th.
One big story near the end of the season was Alonso Martinez going down with a ruptured ACL during an international match with Costa Rica. That injury came just ahead of their 1-0 win over the Union in the Conference Semifinals. While he could have helped NYCFC vs Miami, he probably wouldn’t have scored the 5 goals necessary to advance.
The top goal contributors were Alonso Martinez with 17 goals and 1 assist, while Hannes Wolf had 11 goals and 5 assists. Overall, the season was successful from a results standpoint, although no trophy was won.
Transactions
The biggest outgoing transfer was Justin Haak, a diverse midfielder and defender who undoubtedly helped NYCFC with 3,008 minutes, more than any other player.
Haak now heads to the LA Galaxy, who had a terrible defense and brought him in alongside Philly’s Jakob Glesnes to shore things up.
Incoming players are mostly homegrowns or smaller depth pieces, with the exception of Kai Trewin.
Kai played with Melbourne City and Brisbane before his recent move to MLS. He has over 11,800 minutes logged in 6 seasons, and slots in as an everyday centerback.
Depth Chart
NYCFC is yet another team moving to a 3 man backline this season. They have Matt Freese, who is a USMNT keeper and elite shot-stopper. On defense, they have Raul Gustavo, Kai Trewin, and Thiago Martins.
Kevin O’Toole is the left wingback, and is a player who will provide plenty of offense. On right wing, Tayvon Gray can get upfield, but is more of a traditional back who might stay back to help form a back 4 when in attack.
Midfielders Keaton Parks, Johnny Shore, and Aiden O’Neill will balance the center of the field. Aiden O’Neill is more of a natural defender, though. The dual #10s in attack will be Talles Magno and Hannes Wolf. Depth pieces in midfield include Maxi Morales, the aging playmaker who has been with NYCFC for nine years, and Augustin Ojeda, who never quite lived up to his price tag.
The lone striker will be Nicolas Fernandez, who was a #10, but moved to the #9 in the absence of Alonso Martinez. He contributed 3 goals and 1 assist in 883 minutes in 2025.
Questions
- Which player, outside our projected starting 11, has the best chance to win a job?
- Johnny Shore. Keaton Parks missed time with blood clots in his legs, and should he miss time again, Shore could find himself starting. He is only 18 but has the upside to become an everyday MLS player.
- What are some realistic expectations for 2026?
- NYCFC has a high baseline because of coach Pascal Jansen. They should be in the 5-9 range again this season, although expectations should cool if they don’t get off to the races on offense.
- What are some storylines to follow throughout the 2026 season?
- Talles Magno. He went on loan and matured- so now we have questions. Does he play an everyday role? What quality does he bring? Can he be happy and stay in NYC?
- What styles does this team match up well against?
- NYCFC wants to hold possession, so they match up against high pressing teams that they can open up holes against. They can also beat up on teams who allow too much space.
- What styles does this team match up poorly against?
- NYCFC can struggle to break down the low block, or other possession-heavy teams.
- What player improves the most in 2026?
- Johnny Shore. He is the perfect age and in the best situation for a breakout campaign.
- Which player regresses in 2026?
- Maxi Morales. Time is undefeated, and he will be 38 in his 17th professional season.
Hear more, and follow along as I preview all 30 MLS teams before kickoff of the 2026 season!
YouTube- youtube.com/@thedesignatedpundits
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Bob Ventimiglia is a leading soccer podcaster and handicapper, renowned for his sharp analysis and consistent success at the soccer sportsbook.
As a founding member and MLS expert on the BetUS MLS Show, he earned “Capper of the Week” honors four times during his debut season.
Now, he is producer for “The Designated Pundits” MLS podcast and “The High Impact Pundits” NWSL podcast.
💸 BetUS TV MLS Expert (4x Capper of the Week)
📝 Member- North American Soccer Reporters
