“Welcome to the Club!” That is the greeting to the inaugural season for New York’s Major League Soccer team (sorry to our rival Red Bulls), NYC FC! As an owner in the team, I am beyond excited to be part of another New York franchise taking the field at the legendary Yankee Stadium. Since the announcement of the team’s establishment in the spring of 2013, everyone involved couldn’t have been more excited. It’s been a long road in such a short time, but we’re all glad to see the sport of the world in one of the biggest cities on Earth.
The build up gained massive hype with additions to the team such as Spanish legend David Villa and US national team mainstay Mix Diskerud. Additionally, the signing of England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard continues to build as his arrival gets nearer. After finishing last season with Manchester City, we can’t wait to have a game changing midfielder like Frank in the baby blue of our club in the near future. His winning pedigree and leadership will be key to the club’s growth in the coming seasons.
Led behind Head Coach Jason Kreis, our season started with a clash in Orlando against our fellow expansion club, Orlando City SC.
With Mix Diskerud opening up the scoring, NYC FC took pride in a season opening 1-1 draw to The Lions. A week later, we took the pitch for our first home game, played at the legendary Yankee Stadium. With a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution the club looked poised to gain on its early season momentum. 
Unfortunately, that hasn’t quite happened yet. As expansion clubs go, NYC FC is mired in the struggles that usually come with a new club full of players needing to gel. While we had hoped for the opening season the ‘98 Chicago Fire had when they won the title, we currently face a rough losing streak. It hasn’t been pretty but the effort of every player on the squad must be commended.
Regardless of the hardships, the club’s supporters–The Third Rail–have been incredible! Fans are packing the stadium and supporting the boys in blue regardless of the struggles the team and coach Kreis continue to push through. The support in the stands and online is felt by everyone involved with the team. Some people thought that soccer couldn’t survive in New York after the Pele and Cosmos days didn’t continue to grow the sport. The Third Rail is proving that wrong with each match.
Now, the club has bright days to look forward to. While the slump may not end overnight, our team will continue to fight hard with each and every match. We’re excited to gain Frank Lampard and his leadership this summer, and you never know what may come during this summer’s transfer window. The road may seem long and hard for us this season, but that won’t stop us from fighting on.
Speaking of fighting on, even during long spells of injuries, our club continues to challenge with the roster we have. Thanks to the incredible work of our training staff, we take the pitch every match as healthy as possible–even if that means going at it without a full roster.
With the season moving along, we know that our expansion season is one of struggle and frustrations at times. Then again, it’s a season of celebration. With the The Third Rail’s support, leadership on and off the pitch and these incredible players, NYC FC aims to bring several titles home to the Big Apple in the coming years. We can’t wait to share these moments with you all.
Once again, Welcome to the Club!
