3 NYCFC players who must shine on Decision Day 2025 | OneFootball

Decision Day is only a few days away, and Major League Soccer teams will play the final games of the season. It feels like New York City FC just began their 2025 campaign, in which they started the club's tenth anniversary celebrations with the season opener draw against Inter Miami CF. Now, months later, the Pigeons will end the regular season with a matchup with Seattle Sounders FC.

While NYCFC has made the MLS Cup Playoffs and will play in the Round One Best-of-3 series, they can finish anywhere from fourth to sixth place. A win is needed if the Boys in Blue want a chance to secure a home-field advantage in the first round by finishing the season in fourth place. However, it all depends on what Charlotte FC does. The Bronx side will need the North Carolina team to draw or lose to secure fourth place.

Therefore, NYCFC needs some of their stars to play at the top of their level. Losing against Seattle is not an option.

3 NYCFC players who must shine against Seattle

Alonso Martínez

Alonso Martínez is probably the easiest player to choose to shine on Saturday. The striker just scored a brace for Costa Rica during the international break, so it would be great for him to bring the scoring shoes to NYCFC against Seattle. He did not score in his last two games and missed the Hudson River Derby due to a knock. But the last time he scored was against Charlotte FC, scoring twice to lead the Pigeons to the win.

There is a reason Martínez leads the team with 17 goals. He is a major threat, and NYCFC could use him after going scoreless in two of their last three matches. If he does not score, then the Boys in Blue will put their Decision Day dreams at risk.

Thiago Martins

Seattle is slightly better offensively compared to NYCFC, having scored seven more goals in the regular season. Hence, the Pigeons must be stronger than they have been, for they have given up seven goals in the last three games. So, Thiago Martins, both as a Designated Player center-back and the team captain, must play his best game of the year. If he is spot on defensively, then it makes it easier for his fellow teammates to play well.

Although, as good as Martins has been this season, he has still made some poor mistakes. That is why the NYCFC captain cannot make any this weekend. The Brazilian, and really the rest of the backline, must shut down the Sounders.

Aiden O'Neill

Aiden O'Neill has been a blessing of a signing. The Queens' side really needed someone to properly replace Keaton Parks due to injury, and the Australian has done that. He is a force in the defensive midfield and can cause problems for opposing players. He is also not afraid to take a shot or two of his own.

What NYCFC needs from him is this: O'Neill must capture the fantastic play he had for Australia during the international break, especially against the USMNT. He played like he was possessed. He showed a whole other side of himself and highlighted how he can play in different systems. The Australian must shine his brightest on Decision Day.