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New York City Football club has had quite an inaugural season.  Headlining this year has been the signing of multiple European footballer legends.  The recent arrival of Andrea Pirlo completed New York’s trifecta as he joined summer signings Frank Lampard and David Villa.  The trio now faces an uphill battle, leading NYC in the charge to secure a spot in the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs.  An alteration to the old playoff format is great news for New York City FC as they currently sit on 28 points, good for seventh place.  This situates them one spot shy of a playoff birth, even on points but trailing sixth placed Montreal Impact on goal difference.  The new format will feature twelve teams, expanding from ten, the format used on the previous four seasons. The Crew will be visiting Yankee Stadium for the first time this season.  The only previous meeting of these foes came on August 19th.  In Columbus, New York was led by Ghanaian rookie sensation Kw...

New York Red Bulls Rally in Hudson River Derby  In a weekend full of action, Sunday's early match was a tale of two completely different halves. NYC FC looked the better squad throughout the first.  David Villa was active, but even during the run of play NYC dominated, a disconnect between the midfield transitioning the ball to the attack was clear. First Half Action (Photo by Sean Sullivan) NYC FC opened the scoring account in the 6th minute, however this was false hope for the home supports.  Midfielder Thomas McNamara made a nifty reception in the box, before slotting home a low volley out of the reach of keeper Louis Robles.  The majority of the attack was in NYC's favor, but they lacked the ability to connect on passes in the final third to go ahead even further. Villa and Robles Clash - 1st Half (Photo By Sean Sullivan) The second half was a completely different story.  The Red Bulls struck courtesy of Bradley Wright-Phillips in the 4...

Andrea Pirlo, amidst the storm of transfer rumors, visited Yankee Stadium to catch a game this past weekend.  The surging news flood around the Italian midfield maestro would be a vital signing for the in form New York City Football Club. Clothing For Dummies: How To Dress Like Pirlo (The Guardian.uk) If this move is to go through as fans hope, it would cause a tactical change in the midfield of NYC FC.  The core of this squad, aside from David Villa, is current midfield anchor Mix Diskerud.  With the arrival of Frank Lampard, Diskerud will already have to adjust his style of play.  Deployed previously in central roll, a midfield shared with Lampard and possibly Pirlo would require him to model into a traditional workhorse.  An engine, tasked with tackling and providing the speed and legs the older duo may lack. 4-4-2 Formation vs. Toronto FC June 20th (mlssoccer.com) The other question this potential move would generate is simple: where will the...