By Alex Brodsky (@highpressblog)

Following an underwhelming inaugural season under Jason Kreis, New York City FC’s ownership sought a dramatic change. They enlisted the help of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira to oversee their team’s sophomore campaign. Opting for a foreign manager raised more than a few eyebrows among MLS media. The former French National Team captain has proved doubters wrong but still 2016 has been anything but smooth for NYCFC.

After New York City FC’s first game against the Chicago Fire, it appeared as though history may repeat itself. They edged out with a 4-3 victory but defensively they looked as shaky as in 2015. Since that game, however, Vieira has taken great strides. By implementing a unique style of build-up play Vieira has managed to maintain NYCFC’s strong attack while addressing their porous defense. New York City’s 1.56 xG against/game sits at 5th worst in the league but they’ve improved from 2015 by .26, the highest mark over that time.

NYCFC’s defense may not be a shutdown unit, but with their stellar attack merely upgrading their defense from a dumpster fire to a league average could turn Vieira’s men into a fearsome squad.

Rocky Start

After opening the 2016 season with a 4-3 shootout win over the Chicago Fire it seemed like NYCFC’s sophomore campaign would be a retread of their inaugural season. Miscast central midfielders struggled with their defensive duties. A disorganized backline seemed incapable of playing an offside trap. This goal from Razvan Cocis is just about the softest you’ll ever see in professional soccer: