New York City FC returns to action in Denver on Saturday evening.
Hereâs Managing Editor Mark Booth with four Major Keys to the MatchâĤ
Outliers
A remarkable statistic: Since 2011; the 50 points NYCFC has from 28 games would be enough to be 1st place in Eastern Conference in each season except one (2012; 51 points).
In addition, since 2011, the previous high in MLS for points from 28 games is 56 pointsâĤ
That Toronto have 59 currently shows just how good the Canadian outfit have been this season but it also does plenty to reflect well on NYCFCâs form so far in 2017.
NYC will need to win on Saturday to keep up fading hopes of a Supportersâ Shield challenge, while TFC travels to LA Galaxy without Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore.
Whether or not this proves to be a turning point weekend in the Supportersâ Shield race, itâs worth remembering just how well weâre tracking year-on-year.
And on that noteâĤ
Clear Progress
âĤ barring a monumental collapse, NYCFC will comfortably improve last seasonâs best-ever MLS points tally of 54.
With six games to spare, the Boys in Blue are just four points shy of that tally heading into this intriguing encounter in Denver.
Across all of the important metrics, NYCFC are tracking to improve on last yearâs impressive Sophomore campaign, including goals scored and goals conceded, as well as points.
While Patrick Vieira will emphasize that itâs what happens in the postseason that will determine how 2017 is remembered, he must be satisfied with how things are going, even taking into account last weekendâs unfortunate home defeat to Portland.
READ:Nine Reasons to Watch NYCFC vs. Colorado Rapids
Case for the Defense
An important factor in NYCFCâs year-on-year improvement has been at the back.
While there have been moments of vulnerability as you would expect in a long Regular Season, thereâs no question that things have tightened up in this respect in 2017.
The additions of Sean Johnson and Ben Sweat have been crucial to this upturn in defensive fortunes but the whole team have contributed, right from the goalkeeper up to David Villa at the apex.
Rolling with the injuries to Maxime Chanot and Ronald Matarrita, NYCFC have gone five games without conceding more than one goal â the longest such run of the season so far, thanks in no small part to Frederic Brillant and Alexander Callens who look to have built a solid partnership.
Against a Colorado side who will be buoyed by their win over Houston Dynamo last time out, all will be needed to execute the less glamourous aspects of the game once more at DSG Park on Saturday.
The Road Warriors
Finally, a word on our form away from Yankee Stadium so far this yearâĤ
Only Toronto have a better record on the road than NYCFC since Vieira took charge at the beginning of 2016.
The Frenchman averages 1.4 points per game outside of the Bronx (12-13-5) and the team has scored 46 goals across those 30 games â also good for the second-highest amount behindâĤ you guessed it, Toronto.
Can we clinch our sixth road win of the season in Denver? You havenât got long to wait to find outâĤ
