The all too familiar feeling of watching New York City FC drop more points in self-inflicted fashion, what it means for the playoff race, plus what the dawning of a new United States men's national team era might mean for Matt Freese's role.
After two vital points were dropped by his New York City FC team in Atlanta, Pascal Jansen was left wondering why his team didn't push harder for a late third goal, and was vocally critical of another individual mistake by one of his players.
New York City FC had the lead twice but couldn't hold onto it either time, forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after Atlanta United equalized in the 74th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Both teams' rosters are decimated by players being away with their national teams, but NYCFC will try to get its second-ever win away at Atlanta to claw back into the Eastern Conference playoff spots.
With New York City FC on the outside of the playoff race looking in heading into its 27th match of the season, here's an attempt to identify the "magic number" of points the club needs to hit if it wants to get back into the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The 23-year-old arrived with high expectations but he's struggled and has fallen out of the starting lineup, with Traoré's single goal lagging behind what the club got from past attacking Designated Player signings through their early time in MLS.
Only three other players have ever appeared in MLS for both New York City FC and the Red Bulls and a new player hasn't joined that short list since the 2015 season.
Matt Miazga was officially claimed off waivers by New York City FC and has joined the club through the end of the 2026 season.
What went so wrong in the Hudson River Derby loss, and what to make of New York City FC's reported Matt Miazga signing, its four big international call-ups, and the trip to play Atlanta United to start a four-match road swing.
The five biggest takeaways of note about the updated New York City FC roster profile shared by MLS, like Thiago Martins' uncertain future, 10 players facing contract option decisions, and how Matt Miazga might fit onto the roster.
New York City FC II's last 28-match season as "NYCFC II" ended as its best-ever MLS Next Pro campaign, as the club clinched sixth place and a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a shootout win on the road over Philadelphia on Decision Day.
After NYCFC lost 1-0 to Red Bull New York at Yankee Stadium, James Sands discussed his errant pass leading to the Red Bull goal, while his coach Pascal Jansen said his team deserved more from the match based on the chances they created.
Julian Hall scored a 57th-minute goal for Red Bull New York following an errant back pass by James Sands, enough for the Red Bulls to win 1-0 at Yankee Stadium and climb over NYCFC in the Eastern Conference table with eight games to play.
The Hudson River Derby is back in the Bronx, and maybe for the last time, as NYCFC and Red Bull New York play a high-stakes 35th match and third this year.
Just two points separates New York City FC in eighth place and Red Bully New York in 10th in the MLS Eastern Conference, making this one of the more consequential Hudson River Derby matches in recent memory.
The New York City FC goalkeeper and 2026 World Cup veteran is on Mauricio Pochettino's first United States national team roster as the build-up to the 2030 World Cup begins with four friendlies, and Freese is the most experienced keeper on what's a young-leaning roster.
