NYCFC: Three hopes, one fear

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Sep 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NYCFC midfielder Andrea Pirio (21) and forward David Villa (7) celebrate after defeating D.C. United 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

After one long season NYCFC are playoff-bound.

Yes it has been quite a ride for NYCFC over this past season to get to this point. Multiple coaches and players coming and going, some Frank Lampard sightings, and a begrudging acceptance of the friendly confines at Yankee Stadium have all happened during this tenure. Yet here we are with NYCFC near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings.

Snarkiness aside this has been quite the season for NYCFC. The team with perhaps the highest expectations in the league (their owners have never exactly been known for their patience), NYCFC actually did live up to the hype this season. Thanks in part to a fantastic effort from David Villa and Tommy McNamara, Andrea Pirlo looking like Andrea Pirlo, and some great coaching by Patrick Vieira NYCFC have performed up to expectations and in certain circumstances exceeded them.

So now that they are in the playoffs what exactly are they going to do? Can this squad win it all or are they still a little bit short in their defense? No matter what happens when NYCFC make their MLS Cup playoff debuts on Sunday against Toronto FC (7pm EST FS1, TSN2) it will be interesting and is more than certainly worth a three hopes and one fear column. So enjoy!

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