In their second MLS season, New York City FC enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under head coach Patrick Vieira, adopting a free-flowing, attacking system. The squad finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference and 4th overall with a 15-9-10 record, qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history, where they were eliminated in the Conference Semifinals by Toronto FC. Star forward David Villa was named the league MVP after scoring 23 goals.