New York City FC: The Pigeons Take Flight in the Big Apple

New York City FC (NYCFC) joined MLS in 2013 and started play in 2015, bringing a new soccer rivalry to an already sports-rich city. They’ve quickly developed a passionate following and on-field success.

Here are 15 facts highlighting their journey:

1. Manchester City Connection: NYCFC is partly owned by City Football Group, the same group that owns English Premier League giants Manchester City. This brings resources and shared soccer philosophies.
2. The Pigeons: NYCFC fans and players have embraced the pigeon as a symbol of the team, representing the resilience and grit of New York City itself.
3. Yankee Stadium: For their first few seasons, NYCFC played home matches in the iconic Yankee Stadium, adapting its baseball dimensions for soccer.
4. Citi Field: The club occasionally plays matches at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, for a change of scenery and to accommodate larger crowds.
5. New York Rivalry: NYCFC shares a fierce rivalry with the New York Red Bulls, known as the Hudson River Derby. Games between them are always passionate affairs.
6. David Villa: This Spanish World Cup-winning striker was NYCFC’s first major signing and first-ever captain. His star power helped put the new team on the map.
7. Andrea Pirlo: An Italian midfield legend known for his passing and free kicks, Pirlo played for NYCFC in the latter stages of his illustrious career.
8. Patrick Vieira: A French World Cup winner and midfield powerhouse, Vieira served as head coach from 2016-2018, guiding the team during its formative years.
9. 2021 MLS Cup Champions: NYCFC broke through to claim their first major trophy by winning the MLS Cup, cementing their status as a contender.
10. The Third Rail: NYCFC’s most passionate supporter group, The Third Rail, is known for its loud and boisterous chants, creating an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams.
11. Bronx Blue: NYCFC’s primary color is a distinct shade known as “Bronx Blue,” connecting them to The Bronx, one of New York’s five boroughs.
12. The “Five Borough Team”: NYCFC aims to represent the diverse communities of all five NYC boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
13. Community Focus: The club has numerous programs and initiatives aimed at giving back to the community, particularly with a focus on youth development.
14. Taty Castellanos: A young and dynamic Argentinian striker, Castellanos was a star scorer for NYCFC, winning the 2021 Golden Boot Award, before securing a European transfer.
15. Continuing Growth: With a passionate fan base, a growing soccer culture in New York, and a commitment to success, NYCFC is still building its story in the MLS landscape.

Conclusion: New York City FC has established itself as a force in the MLS and a genuine representation of New York City spirit. Their rapid rise is a testament to the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and the enduring appeal of The Big Apple as a sports city.