New York City Soccer Formation

Starting Lineup

New York City relies on a high press and verticality through a 4-3-3. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly move it toward the goal. The team looks to stretch the opposition by using wide players to create space in the middle for others to exploit.

Freese acts as the last line of defense in goal. The defensive unit sits in a flat back four where Ilenič and O'Toole operate as full backs. Ilenič is tasked to overlap the winger to provide width, while O'Toole must track back to cover the flank. In the center, Martins and Risa form the core of the back line, with Martins acting as a ball playing defender to start attacks from the back. They work together to hold the line and win the second ball when the team presses high.

The midfield functions with a three man midfield containing a single pivot and two advanced players. Parks sits deeper to shield the defense and recycle possession. Haak operates as a carrier to drive forward with the ball and connect the defensive and attacking lines. Moralez plays in the hole behind the striker to create through balls and make runs into the box. This trio works to compress the midfield and deny the turn of opposition players.

In the attacking third, New York City uses three attackers. Martinez acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Wolf and Fernández play as inverted wingers who cut inside to threaten the goal. This movement creates space for Ilenič and O'Toole to push forward. The front line is tasked to press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

One major advantage for New York City is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. This creates chances to win the ball in dangerous areas. The lineup also offers speed of transition, allowing the team to hit in behind on the transition once the ball is recovered. The width provided by the wingers and full backs helps to stretch the defense and create one on one situations.

The 4-3-3 formation provides a balanced way to control the game through aggressive pressing. It is best suited for facing teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.