Tag Archives: USMNT

Playoff Derby Preview With Calen Carr / Ep 477 Blue City Radio

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Episode 477:

This week the guys bring you a special preview episode because on Saturday NYCFC hosts Red Bull in what is their most important MLS matchup to date and most important derby game since Thiago Andrade lost his temper in the 2022 US Open Cup Quarterfinals.  

Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen welcome former MLS player and current MLS Season Pass color commentator, Calen Carr, to the show in the second segment to get his perspective on both of these teams heading into this weekend’s game.

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The Kreis NYCFC Deserve / Ep 473 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 473:

In the ten season history of NYCFC, the team had only lost to Montreal twice. Once was in 2020 during the “Covid” season that will forever be tainted by the impact the pandemic had on rosters, venues, and fan support. The second time was in NYCFC’s inaugural season under head coach, Jason Kreis. Back in 2015 NYCFC was a project. It was not well-oiled machine like it’s counterpart in Manchester. But in 2024, already with a championship and an international trophy already in its case, the team should be more than a project. More than a young coach and youthful squad going through a multi-season long process. The team at this point should be “plug and play” with depth both on the roster but also in its reserve squad. And yet, here we are, again, limping into the playoffs grasping at the thin chances of advancing to the meaningful moments in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. deBart, and Mike Allen look at the 2024 regular season with a discerning critical eye and also recap the loss in Montreal that brought up the memories of the team under Jason Kreis.

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Mediocrity FC / Ep 469 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 469:

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”.

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Was Leagues Cup a Confidence Builder for NYCFC? / Ep 465 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 465:

After shocking Tigres in Red Bull Arena last Tuesday night, NYCFC took reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew, to PK’s in a tense quarterfinal match on Saturday night.

NYCFC returns to MLS league play this coming Saturday at home, in CitiField against the Chicago Fire. The big question is which team will show up for Nick Cushing on Saturday, the gritty squad from the two most recent games or the passive group that could barely muster any offense against New England and Queretero?

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. deBart and Mike Allen talk about all that and more on Blue City Radio

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Garber’s Cash-Grab Cup Recap / Ep 463 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 463:

Nick Cushing and NYCFC can only face the team in front of them. Whether it be an MLS squad weakened by injury and suspension or a struggling Liga MX side the Boys In Blue have to compete against their opponent and win the points. This past Sunday Queretero, a team that has failed to earn a single point in league play, came to Yankee Stadium and stifled the NYCFC attack earning a point in tournament play.

Mike Anderer, J.R. deBart and Mike Allen breakdown the key moments of the most recent match and highlight the key players of the day including Talles Magno, Maxi Moralez and Justin Haak.

The guys also round out the episode with some conversation about the Canadian soccer controversy and spy scandal that was exposed in the Paris Olympics.

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USMNT Out Of Copa and NYCFC Split the Week / Ep 460 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 460:

This week’s episode could almost be recorded at any given time in the year. The USMNT under performed under Gregg Berhalter and NYCFC won a home game and then lost a road game. There really is not much shocking about these occurrences.

This week the guys take a moment to talk about Berhalter’s future with US Soccer and possible replacements both from a pipe dream level but also realistic options.

Second segment is all about the home match versus Montreal in CitiField and in the final segment they discuss the loss in Austin.

There is lots of post-game audio shared from the Montreal match.

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A Costly Win At Home / Ep 459 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 459:

NYCFC has a history of bright young players that burst on the scene hoping to secure a spot on the squad and cement their relationship with the fanbase. This year Malachi Jones did both with his speed, talent and smile. Sadly during the 4-2 victory from Friday against Orlando City, the winger suffered a devastating injury that will most likely see him out until next season.

Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen talk through the injury, the impact to the roster depth and what players might see minutes in the rookie’s absence.

The trio also use the second segment to have a quick conversation about the USMNT with that group’s final match of the Copa America kicking off immediately after recording.

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MLS (Major League Slander) / Ep 456 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 456:

It is a story that Don Garber would like to see go away. It is an MLS story that’s only competition on the global sportspages was a scampering raccoon.

It was the accusation from John Herdman against Nick Cushing. It was the accusation that the league admitted was without evidence.

This week Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen dig into the thin statement that was released to limited outlets.

The trio also discuss the USMNT loss to Colombia in their recent friendly.

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Def-Con 3 Points / Ep 445 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 445:

What can be said about New York City FC’s performance away in Cincinnati? The team was headed to the defending Supporter’s Shield winners from 2023 missing six players to international duty, one to suspension and two key attackers out because of injuries. The outlook was bleak from the beginning of the training week and despite all of the headwinds, the Boys In Blue conceded a loan goal to Luciano Acosta in the 57th minute.

This week Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen look at the current state of NYCFC through their first five games. The guys also look at the comparisons to Nick Cushing and Gregg Berhalter.

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Cushing’s Cadre / Ep 438 / Blue City Radio

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Episode 438:

NYCFC starts its next and final phase of preseason with the Coachella Valley Invitational out in Indio California. The three games will prove an interesting test for the head coach and the players as they try to balance honing the tactics for 2024 while still awaiting the arrival of key pieces of the squad. One thing is for certain, this is Nick’s squad of players. While the roster has not turned over 100% from when he assumed the interim role back in 2022, the core of his preferred starters are all players that the coach has had a hand in making sure they are on his roster.

This week Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen talk about the new signings and pontificate on what this season might look like for NYCFC with the addition on some new talent especially in the area of attack.

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