For a club and organization that talks so much about identity and focusing on their own style of play NYCFC’s performances are the furthest thing from consistent. It has been a theme and talking point about this young group of players all season long and this week was a perfect example of the chasm between the lowest performances and the strongest team play.
This week Mike Anderer and J.R. Dibart welcome Alec Kousoff from Five Borough Footy to the show as a guest to break down the miserable loss from the midweek to Philadelphia and the frenzied circus that comes to town with Inter Miami.
Included in the show are quotes from Thiago Martins, Keaton Parks, Nick Cushing, Strahina Tanasijevic, Tayvon Gray, Mitjia Illenic and Alonso Martinez
Let’s face facts. After 28 games it is becoming clear that NYCFC under Nick Cushing is a mediocre team. Occasional flashes of brilliance, long stretches of possession without purpose, but worst of all a commitment to underperforming talent. Last year in 2023 the team suffered through the extended Barraza experiment and in a “rinse and repeat” pattern 2024 saw the Bakrar drought go on and on. Even after the emergence of Alonso Martinez, Bakrar still finds his way on to the pitch for 20 minutes per match.
This week Mike Anderer, J.R. deBart and Mike Allen take a long hard look at the club’s identity as being a mid-table side that will compete, but ultimately lacks the talent to be a top tier team in the league. Nick Cushing has put his stamp on the squad and the ink-stained image on the crest reads, “Ordinary”.
Not much goes smooth and simple with NYCFC. Their first-ever signing is now scorned by half of the fanbase, their second biggest signing arrived months later than anticipated, heck, even Jason Kreis misspoke during the expansion draft that gave Orlando the first pick in that year’s superdraft. Since day one there has been chaos and controversy. So why after 10 years would fans expect anything less when it comes to elements as beloved and cherished as the team badge?
This week Mike Anderer and J.R. deBart are joined by Haylon Harroo from Five Borough Footy to discuss the unexpected update to the iconic NYCFC badge.
Each week the goal is to find a whimsical title for the episodes but this week required brazen honesty.
NYCFC flew to Columbus and played the reigning MLS Champions to a hard fought 2-2 draw for 90 minutes. The final score would be 4-2 after the home side notched two goals in stoppage time. While NYCFC head coach and players blamed Ted Unkel for the loss, the reality was that NYCFC wasted numerous chances to put the game away.
In the episode Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen go over the game but also take a deep dive into the leadership of the team starting with head coach, Nick Cushing.
