Here’s what you don’t want to do against New York City FC. First, don’t let them get behind your defensive line up the middle or through the channels. The Sky Blues like to push players inside to create space outside, then they either power through with slick passing or play balls to wide runners who cut back or dink in short crosses.
Second, don’t get your back line pushed deep. Dome Torrent has his team aggressively running at the back four in attacking transitions to create space in midfield. This opens a gap in front of the defense, and Maxi Morales and Jesus Medina are excellent and finding passing lanes into that gap and then lowering the boom on a scrambling back line.