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NYCFC: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

Sep 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NYCFC celebrates after defeating D.C. United 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NYCFC celebrates after defeating D.C. United 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward Khiry Shelton (19) celebrates his goal during the second half against the Columbus Crew at Yankee Stadium. New York City FC won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward Khiry Shelton (19) celebrates his goal during the second half against the Columbus Crew at Yankee Stadium. New York City FC won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Hope #1: That Khiry Shelton can become a consistent second option up top.

Of all the players that have stepped up this season to get NYCFC where they are at there is perhaps one player who hasn’t live up to their hype: Khiry Shelton. Shelton, who came to NYCFC after being drafted with the second overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, still has yet to really find his scoring touch in the league.

Although he has scored two goals in his last five games for large stretches of the season he was at times anonymous on the pitch. With the progress that Jack Harrison has made in one season one has to wonder if Shelton is falling out of favor at Yankee Stadium.

If he is going to get his career back on track he is going to have to be a bit more selfish. He has just 17 shots this season which is very low for a.) a striker and b.) a player who has started 13 games and played in 22. It may sound a bit contrarian to the team dynamic but if he can get some space and some chances it will mean that defenses will not be comfortable with doubling up on Villa and Harrison.

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NYCFC scores plenty of goals but all great sides must have balance and that includes getting scoring opportunities for all players. Shelton doesn’t need the lion’s share of chances but if he could get a few more it will help in creating more opportunities.

As previously mentioned, Shelton really started to put things together in the second half of the season. The interesting thing was that it was as a super-sub. With his speed and dribbling abilities this is a position that he could do quite well with against Toronto.

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