MLS v The Media



Yes, NYCFC lost to Seattle at home on decision day.  Yes, Mike, J.R. and Mike will discuss it, but before they do, they need to share their thoughts on the state of journalism and coverage of MLS by independent reporters.  



It was always a challenge and with the passing of time, it has only gotten worse.  The big question is will it ever turn around?

Episode 516: What Belongs In Ethihad Park, Where Would We Be Without NYCFC?



This is part two of our series talking with fans and friends from the first ten years of NYCFC history.



This episode focuses on two questions: what do you want to see in the NYCFC stadium? and where would you be without NYCFC?

Episode 515: Knee Deep In the Hooplah



A new NYCFC era is upon us.  We now enter the Post-David-Lee era as the former sporting director departs for the vacant position in Kansas City.  As NYCFC wrap up the 2025 season the team will do so trying to fill the key role and look to develop a roster ready to open their stadium in 2027.



This week Mike, J.R. and Mike discuss the tenure of David Lee and his legacy of player signings.  They also look back on the loss to Philadelphia Union in Chester.

Episode 514:



How do you feel as an NYCFC fan after the week they had?  They were embarrassed at home against one of the strongest teams in the league and then fought back valiantly against their cross-river rival to capture the Hudson River Trophy.



It is really a tale of opposites, but ultimately the spirits are running high as they enter the last two weeks of the season.



And to add some more sugar to the coffee, members of the media, including Blue City Radio’s own JR diBart, were given their first tour of Ethiad Park.  That’s a lot to talk about but the guys get it done and all in less than 90 minutes.

Episode 513:



There was so much going on with NYCFC last week that we did not think we could fit all of our thoughts into one episode, and we didn’t.  The guys did share some audio with NYCFC CEO, Brad Sims, as well as recap the two thrilling wins from the week that give the Boys In Blue great momentum heading into another extremely challenging week.

Episode 512:



For weeks we have been waiting for some consistency from NYCFC.  Too often their victories fooled pundits and fans alike into thinking they were a solid squad worthy of making a playoff run, only to be followed by games that made people quip if they would make the playoffs at all.



Obviously one game is not enough to sway opinions, but with the remaining six games approaching the victory in Chicago was a great start.



Listen this week as the guys breakdown the Fire victory and look ahead at the games that remain.  There is also audio from Seymour Reid, Pascal Jansen and Nico Fernandez Mercau.

Episode 511: First Memories, Player Interactions, Supporter Culture



As we watch NYCFC play it’s eleventh season in MLS we thought it would be a perfect time to capture some memories of the first ten years.  During the beginning of this season Mike Anderer sat down with some notable fans and friends to hear their stories about the growth of the team.  Featured in these episodes are Jon Sanchez, Andy Bajana, Trey Fillmore, Christian Polanco, Chelsea Socias, Gretta Fernandez, Deron Jenkins, Danny Chediak, Brenda Picinic and Karol Lamb.  

Episode 510:



Pascal Jansen did not mince words in his post game press conference following the 2-1 loss for NYCFC against last place, DC United.  He called out his team saying the “attack was not good enough”.  



Yes, DC capitalized on two key moments, but it was the lack of creativity and chances that lead to the home loss.  Remiscient of Ronny Deila’s infamous, “I’d rather win 5-4 than 1-0” quote, Jansen thinks his team should be able to score more than one goal against a team that came into Yankee Stadium with the worst goal differential in the league.



The guys take a stab at trying to make this week without a league game less depressing with their takes and comments on NYCFC.

Episode 509:



Are the other teams in MLS sleeping on NYCFC?  That was the debate happening after NYCFC walked into TQL Stadium and took three points from FC Cincinnati and helped de-throne the Supporter’s Shield leaders on Saturday night.



Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen share their opposing views on the subject.  They discuss the emergence of Alonso Martinez and what that means for his value as a striker and also discuss what they feel are the top non-PK goals in club history.

Episode 508:



The weather delay on Sunday at Yankee Stadium was not as bad as the delay from August 11, 2021 but don’t tell that to the fans that waited over an hour and twenty minutes before plays late in the first half of NYCFC’s victory over Nashville SC.  



It was also the second game in a row that NYCFC players scuffled with their opponent.  This time it was Alonso Martinez running about 40 yards to come to his teammate’s defense.



This week Mike Anderer and J.R. diBart welcome Adam and Justin from Post 90 Podcast on the show to breakdown the game.

Episode 507:



NYCFC’s Leagues Cup run came to an end after a heated 2-1 loss “on the road” in Yankee Stadium to Toluca.  The game included intense moments of drama and NYCFC had their opportunities but did not capitalize on them.



This week J.R. diBart, Mike Allen and Mike Anderer review the Leagues Cup from an NYCFC perspective.  They talk about the identity of this club and their willingness to fight for each other.  And where are the signings?  Where is the help for Pascal Jansen?

Episode 506:



Were you shocked to see the title of this week’s episode comes from an Animaniac’s song from 2020?  Is that really more shocking that NYCFC conceding three first half goals only to have the FC Dallas lead erased by two Alonso Martinez goals to wrap up the first NYCFC Away Game hat trick in club history? 



This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen go back over the chaos that was a Friday night in Frisco, Texas as Pascal Jansen coached his tired and weary team to seven points from a difficult four games on the road.  



And as always remember Banana hammock is a another word for thong.

Episode 505:



It is the dog days of summer, whatever that really means.  For NYCFC it meant to hot and humid matches.  It also meant Pascal Jansen in a full track suit both nights.  It also meant very limited rotation of players in a week with short rest.  Most importantly it meant 4 points on the table.



This week Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart go over the last two matches, talk about the absence of Mitjia Illenic and talk about the recommendations to MLS owners about changing the league format and schedule.  

Episode 504:



This week America was on full display as the Club World Cup Final was played in Met Life Stadium in NJ and NYCFC traveled to Charlotte.  Mike Allen and Mike Anderer are joined by Christian Smith to breakdown the week in soccer and to look ahead at a busy week for NYCFC with two more road games coming up.

Episode 503:



The Gold Cup comes to an end with the USMNT falling to their rivals Mexico in Houston.  Sports loves controversy and in the 66th minute of the final there was a huge moment that impacted the outcome.  



NYCFC also hosted another across the border rival in Yankee Stadium and Mitjia Illenic was in the thick of building the tension between the two sides.



Oh, and then there’s the rumors of a new attacking midfielder, but we’ll get to that at the end of the show.

Episode 502:



This week was a tough one for the odds makers.  CF Montreal had not won a home game all season long.  NYCFC is notoriously bad as a road team and had already handed CF Montreal one of their few victories this season.  CF Montreal was missing seven players to international duty and NYCFC was missing their striker and starting keeper.  Then, if it wasn’t difficult enough for the Vegas bookies, two days before the match it was announced that NYCFC head coach, Pascal Jansen, had to return to Europe for a family emergency.



In the end, the game played out as expected.  NYCFC played down to their opponent’s table position and lost 1-0.  Luckily for NYCFC fans their two international stars, Matt Freese and Alonso Martinez, took center stage at the Gold Cup and truly put on a show.  That’s how Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart start off this week’s episode.

Episode 501:



NYCFC welcomed former head coach, Ronny Delia, and his Atlanta United to Yankee Stadium and it was a wild night for the hometown team.  Monsef Bakrar and Hannes Wolf would combine to score the fastest three goals in club history.  



This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen are back to discuss the 4-0 victory against Atlanta and hit on some other topics around the sport.

Episode 500!



We are all overcome with gratitude to our loyal listeners and followers that tune in.  Some are there every week, some once a season, and some only once ever, but if you have ever given us even a single minute of your time to support the show we are grateful.  We do this every week for you.



Thank you for helping us get to Episode 500 and here is to 500 more!

Episode 499:



It has been an exhausting month for NYCFC and it’s fans.  The team closes out the month with their home game against Houston but it has already been a month of ups and downs.  Currently, the team is on a high after a thrilling 3-1 victory at home against a surging Chicago Fire.



This week the guys talk about the struggle for consistency under Pascal Jansen as he tries to unlock the best from his squad.



There’s audio from Pascal Jansen, Hannes Wolf, Monsef Bakrar and Tayvon Gray.

Episode 498:



Revenge, redemption, and payback.  This week Luis Barraza met his former team and played one his best games of his career to hold NYCFC scoreless in DC and then the Boys In Blue got some payback of their own with a demonstrative victory over Red Bull at Citifield.  Questions still remain about this squad and their ultimate ceiling in the league, but for this week at least, the spirits and ambitions are high.



Mike Anderer and Mike Allen listen to the audio from Pascal Jansen on his team’s inconsistency and look for some of the reasons why their is hope for the growth of the squad under the new coach.  They also recap the two games from the week and share player audio from CitiField.