In 2016: New York City FC finishes second in the Eastern Conference and qualifies for the playoffs for the first time. The club also participates in the U.S. Open Cup, reaching the fourth round before losing to New York Cosmos 1–0. The club also signs several notable players, such as Jack Harrison, an English international winger who joined from Wake Forest Demon Deacons; Ronald Matarrita, a Costa Rican international defender who joined from LD Alajuelense; and Maxime Chanot, a Luxembourgian international defender who joined from KV Kortrijk. In the playoffs, New York City FC loses to Toronto FC 7–0 on aggregate in the conference semifinals.