Questions to ask about NYCFC before the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs | OneFootball

As it has been repeated multiple times over the last week, New York City FC is about to begin their 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs journey. The team will face Charlotte FC in the Round One Best-of-3 series, and will seek to move on like they did against FC Cincinnati last year.

Overall, while NYCFC has had a better season in 2025, questions remain about the team. The Boys in Blue can beat some of the best teams, or at least compete. But they have also beaten themselves, leading to a few games where they lost or tied that should have ended in three points. That is why there are questions entering the playoffs.

Questions for NYCFC in the playoffs

Will NYCFC score goals in the playoffs?

Asking whether NYCFC will score is an important question. In two of the last four matches, the Bronx side was held scoreless against possible opponents and fellow playoff sides. Then, they scored just once against a Western Conference playoff team, Seattle Sounders FC, whom they subsequently lost to on Decision Day.

The only game within the last four where the Pigeons were convincing in the final third was the 3-2 win in the Hudson River Derby. However, the New York Red Bulls did not make the playoffs this year.

So, will NYCFC score against fellow playoff teams? The hope is yes, and they would first have to do so against Charlotte, whom they have never beaten on the road.

Will NYCFC players hurt themselves?

Sometimes, the Boys in Blue find ways to lose. They might have a solid offensive game and not find the back of the net. Other times, they will play terribly against teams they should beat on paper. Silly mistakes have also led to their undoing.

Truthfully, NYCFC has been better about their mistakes, but the streaks where they struggle to score still exist. The fear that players will hurt themselves by not playing their best, by failing to capitalize on chances, or by making mistakes remains a concern.

Can Pascal Jansen get any wins for his first MLS Cup Playoffs?

Pascal Jansen has done a decent job in his first year as the NYCFC head coach. He led the Bronx side to a 17-12-5 record and fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. But will he get a win in the playoffs?

Since the head coach has done well for the most part, it might be easy to say yes. However, the playoffs can be tricky and different for a first-year coach. This will be a good test for Jansen and NYCFC.