As teams continue to jostle as the top of the Eastern Conference table, New York City FC and New York Red Bulls are both representing the Empire State to the fullest.
On the state of New York’s coat of arms, Excelsior appears as the motto. It’s a Latin word that translates closest to “Ever Upward.” Both of the state’s MLS clubs have seemingly taken that motto to heart in the 2016 season.
They hold the top two spots in the Eastern Conference, NYCFC at the number one spot, New York Red Bulls only one point behind at number two. While they both are elite teams in Major League Soccer, the club’s are very different, and have had different routes to getting to this point.
New York City FC is the flashier of the two sides. With global stars like Andrea Pirlo, David Villa, and Frank Lampard, they carry an abundance of international honors from past teams, and also individually. In addition to the three veteran Designated Players, Jack Harrison has been a huge boost to NYCFC in 2016.
They’re led by first year coach, and Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira. He took over for Jason Kreis, who was let go after the club’s inaugural season last year after failing to meet lofty expectations. The club scores a lot of goals, and allows nearly as many.
Currently, their 48 goals scored is atop MLS. Their 47 allowed is tied for most in the league. The 2016 season has completely turned around since a 7-0 shellacking they took at the hands of NYRB. Lampard’s return to form has been a major key to that turn around.
Speaking of those Red Bulls, unlike their second year crosstown rivals, they’re an original member of Major League Soccer. They’ve been consistently good in recent years, but have never won an MLS Cup in their club’s 21 year history, dating back to their time as the MetroStars. This team feature’s club record holders, and MLS veterans.
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Bradley Wright-Phillips is the club’s leader in goals, MLS and in all competitions. Captain Dax McCarty just became the club’s top man for MLS starts last weekend. Fans have been clamoring for Sacha Kljestan to get a serious look from the USMNT, and Mike Grella is one of the most skilled dribblers across the league. They carry a 10-2-1 record at home, but a rough 2-7-6 tally on the road that must improve.
Both teams are legitimate MLS Cup contenders, with NYRB’s extensive experience in the league, and NYCFC’s eye-catching, talent loaded roster. As the season winds down post Labor Day, the club’s will need to not only stay consistent, but hit their top strides, as both teams look to bring the first Major League Soccer crown back to the Empire State.