New York City FC is riding high heading into the international break and have the chance on Decision Day to finish with home field advantage heading into the first round. Much of that has to do with the revamped offense that took some time to connect in 2024 but is now baring the fruit that City and head coach Nick Cushing have planted.
“We didn’t score enough goals last year,” said Cushing after the team’s win over Nashville SC last weekend. “We believe that if we scored 55 goals we’d be around fourth place, knowing that last your our defensive record was second-best in the Eastern Conference. I’m proud that we’ve achieved that target.”
Much of that has to do with the emergence of Alonso Martinez as the team’s top scorer. That wasn’t always the plan for the converted striker who started his time with City as a winger. The lack of production from Mounsef Bakrar and the departure of Talles Magno opened the window for Martinez but the player instead decided to kick down the door in order to lay claim to the position without any doubt.
Last season Martinez only played in three games. This campaign he’s racked up 25 appearances and scored 16 goals. All of that in just 18 games started. Martinez also has the fastest hat trick in team history, showing just how deadly he can be when unleashed. His biggest mark this season was his dominant performance against the New York Red Bulls just weeks ago as he has laid claim to being the best striker on both teams.
“To have Alonso Martinez score 16 goals this season is incredible for him and for the team,” said Cushing. “He’s been, by far, our most clinical player. And then there’s Santi Rodriguez. He’s our guy. Maxi Moralez, for many years, has been the catalyst for our offense game and still is today.”
All of these weapons make NYCFC a uniquely dangerous team heading into the MLS Cup Playoffs. While the team won’t like the comparison, there are similarities to the 2021 championship team that cannot be ignored. Should the momentum hold true, they may be the true dark horse team in the playoffs.
