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NYCFC: Turning the Page

By Jonathan Liebling

Jun 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison (11) celebrates his goal against Real Salt Lake with New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo (21) during a match at Yankee Stadium. Real Salt Lake defeated New York City 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison (11) celebrates his goal against Real Salt Lake with New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo (21) during a match at Yankee Stadium. Real Salt Lake defeated New York City 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the emergence of Jack Harrison, Vieira finding his stride, and all three designated players healthy – NYCFC can turn a franchise corner.

NYCFC fans across all five boroughs are elated. For the first time in this organization’s young existence they are showing something they have severely lacked; heart. Back to back wins? Check. Andrea Pirlo with space to operate? Check! Frank Lampard scored in the latest two wins? Che… wait really? Wow.

Something has to be said about the recent resurgence of this club, but what? What can we attribute this nova of skill and inspiration? The answer isn’t that complicated. The players are finally buying into the Patrick Vieira system.

He’s instituted a high work rate atmosphere and expects the best from his players in training. If you work hard, and train hard, you have a shot to be in the starting XI that week. That being said, maybe Kwadwo Poku’s departure makes a little more sense. Regarding Poku, Vieira told MLS in March:

"“If he works well in training, he will have a chance,” Vieira said following training Wednesday. “But if he doesn’t and other people do, other people will have a chance in front of him. You need to earn that spot…”"

NYCFC has been criticized for unearthing fossils and throwing barrels of cash at their geriatric designated players for the sole purpose of jersey and ticket sales. The most disappointing of those fossils came in the form of Frank Lampard. Who, until recently, had only seen glimmers of playtime due to injury.

Andrea Pirlo seemed to be suffocating in the tight confines of Yankee Stadium and only just scored his first ever MLS goal a little over a week ago. Only David Villa remained a constant bright spot for New York, leading MLS in goals scored with 11. With all three designated players finally living up to their hype, it should be no surprise to see this team win.

On the complete opposite end of the fossil spectrum, we have young Jack Harrison. Just 18 years of age, the Englishman is already showing the skill and maturity that makes him a staple in the starting XI going forward. Since he broke into the first team, the NYC midfield has been fluid. Jack has tallied 1 goal and 1 assist in his first 3 starts.

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However, the numbers don’t accurately reflect how vital he has been in freeing up the middle for NYCFC. Pirlo and Lampard have benefited the most from his insertion. Jack forces defenders to him as he charges the opposition’s back line allowing Lampard and Pirlo room to maneuver. The question becomes; how long can NYCFC hold on to Jack Harrison?

The combination of young and old will have to be firing on all cylinders this Sunday as the Hudson River Derby erupts at Yankee Stadium. The Red Bulls record in the derby stands at a resounding 4-0. In fact, since Tommy McNamara scored in the 6th minute in last year’s home game against Red Bulls, NYCFC have gone 264 minutes without a goal in the series.

Give the psychological edge to the red and white. However, this is not the same team who fled a field of jeers and whistles after suffering a 7-0 defeat at home. As we turn the mid-season page, this is a team who is starting to take shape of their identity and that could be a frightening sight for the rest of MLS.

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