D.C. United took their first tentative steps - in the form of a “just good enough” win over Philadelphia - towards having a good 2017 last week, but facing NYCFC today will be a far more demanding challenge. New York City FC boasts one of MLS’s best attacks in terms of talent, depth, and a willingness to bet they can simply outscore opponents. This is not a team that comes to your place and sits in hoping for a 0-0 draw.
Patrick Vieira will likely realize that United won’t be such a mess in transition this time around, but that won’t really affect his plans.