Where we left off last year
2023 season: 41 points, 11th in the Eastern Conference
Trying new things is good, right? Well, NYCFC tried something new last year by reaching a new low thanks to an 11th-place finish out East. The team suffered thanks to the front office’s decision to wait to sign a true striker until the summer transfer window. Even after Mounsef Bakrar joined and despite a noticeably positive expected goal differential (they finished seventh in MLS in that metric in 2023, according to FBref), New York City still couldn’t push their way above the playoff line for just the second time in club history.
In many ways, this team is still trying to turn the page after winning MLS Cup a few years ago.
What changed in the offseason
Notable arrivals:
- Hannes Wolf, W: Wolf won’t single-handedly take over a game from the wing, but he has plenty of high-level experience from his time in Europe. Between RB Salzburg, a cup of coffee with RB Leipzig, Swansea City, and Borussia Monchengladbach, Wolf has an impressive resume for a 24-year-old. He’ll add verticality and depth to NYCFC’s attack.
- Agustin Ojeda, W: Ojeda, 19, is a right-footed winger who loves to dribble. He joins as a U-22 initiative player after briefly playing for Racing Club in Argentina’s top-flight. NYCFC have a good track-record on these types of deals, and Ojeda is one to watch for both this year and beyond.
- *Jovan Mijatovic, ST: A rangy, left-footed attacker, Mijatovic arrives in MLS from Red Star Belgrade as a hot prospect. The 18-year-old Serbian was reportedly the subject of interest from Bayern Leverkusen after scoring eight goals in just over 600 minutes this season in Serbia’s top-flight. Mijatovic is active in the box, scores with both feet and his head, and can create in the halfspaces or even deeper in midfield. He likely won’t be on this side of the Atlantic for long.
* Deal is yet to be announced but is likely to happen.
