New York City FC 2017 Season Preview: A Realistic Opportunity At the MLS Cup Is There

03/01/2017

Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison (11) reacts to a call against him during the first half against the Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Offense

David Villa is the NYCFC offense. That trend should continue in 2017 with the departure of second leading goal scorer Frank Lampard whose contract ran out following the 2016 campaign.

Second-year winger Jack Harrison, the number one overall selection in the 2016 draft, will be expected by Coach Vieira and NYCFC fans to make significant strides in 2017. The Manchester United Academy product simply must stay healthy and improve on his four-goal, seven-assist rookie season.

Jonathan Lewis, the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s SuperDraft will join Harrison up top. He is expected to join the attack and contribute immediately.

if the kids don’t work out, veteran Sean Okoli was brought in as a lottery ticket. After two unsuccessful seasons in MLS with two different clubs, Okoli played in the USL in 2016 and won the MVP scoring 16 goals in a successful show-me season.