The History of NYCFC: A Look Back at the Club’s Early Years
New York City Football Club (NYCFC) has become a household name in Major League Soccer (MLS) over the past decade, with a loyal fan base and a commitment to developing talented young players. But before the team’s impressive rise to prominence, there was a long and winding road to get to this point. In this article, we’ll take a look back at the early years of NYCFC, tracing the club’s history from its inception to its first few seasons in MLS.
The Idea Takes Shape (2012-2013)
The idea of bringing a professional soccer team to New York City dates back to the early 2010s, when a group of investors led by Manchester City Football Club (MCF) owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Yankee Global Enterprises (YGE), the parent company of the New York Yankees, began exploring the possibility of starting a new team. The concept was to create a team that would not only compete at the highest level in MLS but also serve as a hub for youth development and community outreach programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
The Founding and the First Few Years (2013-2015)
In May 2013, NYCFC was officially announced as the 20th team in MLS, with Manchester City and YGE as its founding partners. The team was granted an expansion franchise and would begin play in 2015. During its first few years, NYCFC established its front office, including its first CEO, Tom Glick, and its first sporting director, Andy Roxburgh. The team also began building its coaching staff, with Jason Kreis, a veteran MLS coach, at the helm.
The First Few Seasons (2015-2017)
NYCFC’s inaugural season in 2015 was a rocky one, with the team struggling to find consistency and finishing with a 10-17-7 record. Despite the poor finish, the team showed promise, particularly in its attacking lineup, which featured stars like Frank Lampard, a legendary midfielder who had played for Manchester City and the English national team, and David Villa, a highly decorated Spanish striker.
In its second season, NYCFC began to show signs of improvement, finishing with a 12-15-7 record and making the playoffs for the first time. The team’s success on the field was mirrored by growing interest and support from fans, with attendance increasing significantly at Yankee Stadium, its home stadium in the Bronx.
The Formation of the New York Cosmos and the Rivalry (2015-2017)
In 2015, another professional soccer team, the New York Cosmos, was rebranded and re-launched, sparking a long-awaited rivalry between the two teams. The Cosmos, which had previously played in the North American Soccer League (NASL), joined the USL Championship in 2017, creating a natural rivalry with NYCFC, which was already a dominant force in MLS.
The rivalry between the two teams, known as the "Battle of the Boroughs," has become one of the most intense and passionate in the United States, with both teams competing fiercely for local bragging rights and supporters’ attention.
Conclusion
NYCFC’s early years were marked by challenges and growth, as the team established itself as a competitive force in MLS and built a loyal fan base. From its inception to its first few seasons, the team has come a long way, and its history is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. As the team looks to the future, its fans can take pride in the progress made so far and eagerly anticipate the many exciting developments yet to come.
