Last season’s MLS campaign was a rather successful one for both soccer teams based in New York, with both managing to reach the Playoffs. Can a New York team win MLS 2022?
Of course, NYCFC managed to win the overall competition after defeating the Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup by virtue of a penalty shootout and will now go on to play in the CONCACAF Champions League next season whilst the New York Red Bulls had managed to reach the first round stage before being knocked out by Philadelphia Union after extra-time.
Admittedly, it could be argued that both teams were far from their best throughout the campaign despite the success, but could things be better for both of them in the 2022 MLS season? There is every suggestion that they could!
Odds suggest NYCFC may have a chance
Naturally, there will be plenty of optimism about NYCFC’s chances of retaining the MLS Cup next season and the odds to have been presented for them to do exactly that might be as appealing to gamblers as the casino offers that they can continue to find when they browse casino genie on a regular basis.
Indeed, Ronny Deila’s side has been placed amongst the betting favourites once again, although it would seem the Red Bulls are less fancied. It must be said, though, that these odds could change slightly in the build-up to the 2022 MLS season, although both will be hoping that they make the postseason as a bare minimum.
However, what does each team need to ensure they do in order to give them the best chance of bringing glory to the Big Apple for the second season in a row?
Red Bulls need to improve in front of goal
The biggest concern that the Red Bulls will arguably have as they go into the 2022 MLS Season is that they clearly need to try and add some firepower to their ranks in the offseason. It could be argued that this has been an issue ever since 2019 following the departure of Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Patryk Klimala was the team’s top goalscorer in the 2021 MLS campaign, however he only managed a total of eight goals in his 30 appearances, which might be considered far from good enough, especially if they want to mount a challenge for silverware. His strike partner, Fabio, had also struggled for goals, as he netted just seven times in his 31 appearances, too.
For NYCFC, goals were not a problem as Valentin Castellanos had an excellent time, as he netted 22 times in his 35 matches, however there could be a problem that Deila may face throughout the campaign.
Having guided the team to the MLS Cup last season, it would not be a surprise if the minimum target this season were to reach the MLS Playoffs once again. If he did not do that, or even reach the later stages of the postseason, his position as manager could be in danger. Of course, this is perhaps expected after obtaining silverware the year before.