There was a time when US soccer was a storm of Rowdies and Cosmos, but now United is the name of choice. What’s going on?Once, pro soccer in the United States firmly embraced the country’s sporting culture. Teams that came to prominence in the 1970s in the North American Soccer League (NASL) had names that wouldn’t sound out of place in the NFL: the New York Cosmos and and Tampa Bays perhaps being the most notable. Cheerleaders roamed the sidelines, and even the foundations of the game – such as the offside rule and the draw – were changed to appeal to an audience accustomed to traditional American sports.But over the last 15 years, Major League Soccer has evolved from...
The World Cup winner reached 50 goals for NYC FC on Saturday, and he appears dedicated to lifting up both the league and his team-matesPlayer quotes within club-sanctioned press releases are notoriously bland. That is especially true when it is a Major League Soccer club rolling out a decorated European veteran.When New York City FC announced their first-ever signing in 2014, the summer before its inaugural season, David Villa hit on all the familiar clichés. Related: A decade on, did David Beckham's move to MLS make a difference? Continue reading...
Patrick Vieira and Tata Martino’s teams meet this weekend and they both provide a look at the future of football in the USWhen New York City FC host Atlanta United on Sunday at Yankee Stadium, it will mark the first ever meeting between the clubs and an opportunity to show just how much MLS has developed. Two teams, filled with depth, diversity and ambition, are the perfect advertisement for Major League Soccer and if there was ever a fixture that can speak for the face of America, this is it.Here’s why.¡OLA KAMARA! #CLBvNYC 2-1 pic.twitter.com/0dRL1aFg1h Continue reading...
City Football Group insists NYC FC and Manchester City are separate clubs with separate identities, but doubt persist over the true nature of their partnershipCity Football Group and Major League Soccer were careful not to draw too many lines of association upon announcing the league’s 20th franchise back in May 2013. New York City FC, they said, would be “a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights.” Their inception would create “an intense crosstown rivalry between NYC FC and the New York Red Bulls that will captivate this great city.” Manchester City, the European superpower anchoring the purchase, were barely mentioned. Related: Frank Lampard's legacy with New York City FC remains difficult to assess Related: Manchester City...
Lampard’s departure begs the question: Are aging designated players worth it or would the money be better invested in cultivating young, home-grown talent?Frank Lampard’s two-year love affair with New York City came to an end as Monday morning came with the news that the 38-year-old English midfielder will not return to the club after his $6m contract expires next month. Related: Frank Lampard set to depart New York City FC as contract expires Today, we say goodbye to a legend. Best of luck on your next chapter, Frank. #ThankYouFrank Related: Frank Lampard to be offered Chelsea post if he retires from playing This city, this team was lucky to have you. #thankyoufrank #nycfc @NYCFC Continue reading...