For the second consecutive season, New York City snuck into MLS Cup Playoffs & had quite the run this season that honestly shocked many across the league.

This season, the squad finished 5th in the Eastern Conference & fell in the Conference Finals of MLS Cup Playoffs after a 5-1 thrashing to Inter Miami CF.

Taking a glance at the overall season, NYCFC went 11-6-0 at home & 6-6-5 on the road. They scored 4 less goals and allowed 5 goals less in comparison to their 2024 campaign.

With their roster decisions published, NYCFC will have some roster flexibility.

The biggest questions for this group are: Will Andres Perea & Justin Haak return to the club? How can this club make improvements to an already talented roster? Who do they really lose this offseason? Where are their positional needs?

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

NYCFC qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Entering mid-August, the squad was not-comfortable and was sitting in a tight race with Chicago, RBNY, & New England chasing them down, however, they went on a stretch where they finished 6W-4L-0D, past Columbus & Nashville, and secured a 5th place finish in the Eastern Conference.

The club improved upon last year's result (where they fell in the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals to RBNY) and made it to the MLS Conference Finals (though they were embarrassed this season by Inter Miami CF).

Alonso Martinez was their offensive tank this season. The 27-year-old forward had 19 goal contributions (17 goals & 2 assists) in 30 games this season. His connection with 26-year-old forward Hannes Wolf (18 goal contributions - 11 goals & 7 assists) was a massive reason for New York’s offensive success this season.

NYCFC had fourteen different goalscorers this season, with only FIVE players with 3+ goals (Martinez, Wolf, Perea, N. Fernandez, & J. Fernandez).

The Negatives

New York City FC were obliterated in the MLS Eastern Conference Finals.

The club fell 5-1 versus Lionel Messi & Inter Miami CF & it honestly seemed like they never got comfortable. They led the possession battle & total fouls but were behind in shots, shots on target, total passes, pass accuracy, & corners.

NYCFC participated in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, however, it wasn’t a memorable run. The squad faced Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the Round of 32 and lost 1-0.

NYCFC was another team that failed to make it out of the group stage in the Leagues Cup this season. The club had 1 win & 2 losses in Leagues Cup after losing 3-0 versus Puebla, winning 2-0 over Club Leon, & falling 2-1 versus Toluca.

Roster Flexibility

New York City FC has a good amount of roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has three designated players (Nicolas Mercau, Talles Magno, & Thiago Martins) and three U-22 initiative signings (Agustin Ojeda, Jovan Mijatovic, & Julian Fernandez).

This club is in the 3DP & 3U22 model. In regard to GAM totals, the club has $2,422,943 of GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 29 players rostered as of December 3rd.

Offseason Priorities

Use some of your GAM and acquire some top-end players in free agency.

Currently, the club is losing midfielders Andres Perea, Justin Haak, & Maxi Morales. The club will need to make improvements at their midfield spots / depth spots.

Sign goal scorers that will compliment Martinez & Wolf. You cannot have only two players with more than 4+ goals and expect to consistently make the playoffs.