New York City FC's victory over Santos Laguna offered more than another positive result. It provided evidence that Pascal Jansen may have one of the most important ingredients for a deep Leagues Cup run: a roster capable of producing contributions beyond the usual starters.

In a tournament played alongside an already demanding MLS campaign, depth isn't a luxury. It can become the difference between surviving the schedule and competing for a trophy.

Jansen Has More Options Than It Appears

The encouraging sign for NYCFC is that responsibility doesn't have to fall on one superstar. Different players can influence matches in different ways, giving Jansen the freedom to rotate without completely changing the team's identity.

That becomes particularly important when games arrive quickly. Fatigue, injuries and suspensions can transform a tournament in a matter of days, and coaches who trust only 11 or 12 players often pay the price.

NYCFC's younger options are also beginning to show they can handle meaningful minutes rather than simply filling the bench. When those players contribute, competition increases throughout the squad and Jansen gains alternatives for different tactical situations.

The impact can be significant. He can introduce fresh legs to increase the press, protect a lead with a more conservative setup or change the profile of the attack when opponents begin to tire.

Depth Could Decide How Far NYCFC Goes

The Leagues Cup rewards teams capable of adapting. One match may require patience and possession; another could demand defensive resilience or a more direct attacking approach.

NYCFC increasingly appears equipped to handle those different scenarios.

That doesn't mean New York suddenly has the deepest roster in the competition, nor does one victory prove it is ready to win the trophy. But the performance against Santos Laguna reinforced an important point: Jansen has alternatives capable of changing games.

For a club with ambitions of making a serious Leagues Cup run while remaining competitive in MLS, that may become one of its greatest strengths.

The stars will inevitably receive most of the attention. But if NYCFC goes deep in this tournament, the players beyond the headline names could ultimately determine how far the journey lasts.