NYCFC: Three hopes, one fear

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Oct 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward David Villa (7) reacts to a call during during the first half against the Columbus Crew at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Hope #2: That David Villa can stay onside.

Here is the worst kept secret for the MLS Conference Semifinals: Toronto are going to run an offside trap on David Villa. Now that the cat is out of the bag let’s discuss why they are going to implement such a plan: Villa gets offside a lot. No player was found to be offside more in 2016 than Villa, who was called for the violation 41 times last season. Bradley Wright-Phillips was second with 34 which might be the only time that the New York Red Bulls might be willing to cede an ‘honor’ to an NYCFC player.

NYCFC’s bread and butter this season has been the long pass into the open space but if TFC are going to be running a high press they may want to reconsider their option. The club did tinker with a more patient style in their 2-2 draw with Toronto FC with some success. Villa scored twice in that match and looked very comfortable taking on an expanded role in the NYCFC attack. The one drawback is that it does cut back on the free-flowing attacking style that has made the club so successful.

Even if Villa ends up on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle over the next two weeks he will be a major part of NYCFC’s attack. The question is now can Vieira make the adjustments to fixing this one small problem.

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