After dominating the Eastern Conference throughout most of the regular season, finishing six points clear of second-placed Atlanta United and losing just six of their 34 games, many pegged New York City FC as their Eastern postseason favourites.
But on Wednesday night, against a visiting Toronto FC, the Blues seemed to forget everything that has made them so good in 2019. They were well and truly architects of their own downfall.
During the first half, the weight of expectation came down on Dome Torrent’s men like a tonne of bricks and a very nervous NYCFC failed to gain any sort of control in midfield.