Soccer in the City Podcast

The boys take a close look at the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus suspensions on NYCFC, MLS and the rest of the soccer community. Also, they share some of their favorite moves, documentaries and books to help fill the void without live games to watch.

After a promising start to the year in Concacaf Champions League, New York City FC has dropped its first two matches in Major League Soccer. In the latest installment of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, the boys review the 1-0 defeat at Toronto and also look ahead to the CCL quarterfinal at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday. Also, the guys take a close look at the performance of the Philadelphia Union in their 3-3 draw at LAFC on Sunday night. One of the more thrilling MLS games you'll see that didn't end until after 1 a.m. Eastern. At halftime of that broadcast, former New York City FC coach Jason Kreis announced his 20-player roster for Olympic qualifying. That group did not include NYCFC midfielders James Sands and Keaton Parks.

In the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, the guys discuss New York City FC's regular season opener at Columbus Crew SC. City center back Maxime Chanot was red-carded three minutes into the match -- an eventual 1-0 defeat at MAPFRE Stadium. Also, a look at the Concacaf Champions League with the home leg in the quarterfinals set for next Tuesday at rival Red Bull Arena. And bad news for MLS, as one of the league’s most entertaining players, Josef Martinez, suffered a torn ACL for Atlanta United. Plus a look at some other games from around the league.

In the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, the boys analyze New York City FC’s 5-3 win over AD San Carlos in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League. Five road goals conceded will be difficult to overcome for San Carlos but it is uncertain how many City supporters will show for the home leg on Wednesday at rival Red Bull Arena. Tom, Roberto, John and Glenn all give their opinions about the Third Rail’s planned boycott of the game. Like NYCFC,  four other MLS sides are hoping to advance to the CCL quarterfinals while all of them attempt top manage a congested schedule with the start of the MLS regular season this weekend.

There's a lot to digest in this week’s podcast - based on a NY Times report which was then confirmed by New York City FC, a new soccer-specific stadium deal in the South Bronx seems imminent. That news came on the heels of Concacaf announcing that NYCFC will host the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League at rival Red Bull Arena - which has not gone over well with supporters. Glenn and Roberto joined a “Breakfast with Brad” this week and spoke to him about both the subject of the new stadium and the reasons why the club has been essentially forced to play in RBA.

In the first #SoccerInTheCity episode of the new year, the boys focus on the new coach, Ronny Deila, and the new players signed as City prepares for their first ever CONCACAF Champions League match against Costa Rica’s San Carlos. 

It’s six days before the start of the preseason, and New York City FC still has not signed a new coach, although the club says an announcement is coming very soon. There is a rumor out of Norway that a former Celtic FC coach is the top candidate. In the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, the guys discuss that plus the possible return of Keaton Parks to the squad. His loan to Benfica had expired, but there are strong indications that he will be back with City. The boys also talk about some offseason moves by other clubs in MLS plus a review of Gregg Berhalter’s January camp roster for the U.S. men's national team, which includes City goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

New York City FC has learned their opponent in the opening round of the Concacaf Champions League. In the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, the guys talk about the impact of still being without a coach with less than a month until preseason begins to prepare for their first-ever CCL competition. Also, NYCFC’s first three games have been announced so we take a look at those matchups plus a new MLS Showcase featuring 40 collegiate players in front of MLS scouts during the College Cup weekend in Raleigh, NC.

The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Canada 4-1 in a must-win Nations League match in Orlando, and in the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, the boys discuss the significance of the result and the future of Gregg Berhalter’s system with his current personnel choices. Also, Major League Soccer released the list of unprotected players in Tuesday’s MLS expansion draft. We look closely at the entire list, but especially New York City FC’s unprotected players to identify who may or may not be possible selections and the impact that could have on the team.

This week we preview the MLS Cup Final between the Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC with a pair of coaches who are generally underrated - yet are now facing each other for the third time in four years for the title. Also, a look at the USMNT as they prepare for their next Nations League matches while the USWNT begins an new era under coach Vlatko Andonovic with Carli Lloyd making a strong statement in front of her new coach. Jason Kreis selects NYCFC back/midfielder James Sands for the U23’s - but is Kreis also talking to Real Salt Lake at the same time, and is that a conflict?

The Bronx Community Board 4 that oversees the section of a proposed NYCFC stadium site, held a public planning meeting on Wednesday night with a technical assistance panel revealing some of their recommendations at the 153rd Street and River Avenue location. Glenn Crooks attended the meeting - along with 20-25 supporters from the Third Rail Bronx - and will go over some of things he learned about a location that would utilize the same subway stop as Yankee Stadium. Also, the boys give an early preview of the MLS Cup Final - a surprise matchup to some.  The Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC will meet for the championship for the third time in four years.

New York City FC was eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs by Toronto FC, and after the match, head coach Dome Torrent intimated that this may have been his last game with the club. The boys review the team’s progress under Torrent and give their thoughts on whether they think Torrent will return or not. Also, a look at some of the other playoff games, including LAFC’s first win in six tries over the LA Galaxy.  

In the latest episode of the "Soccer In The City" podcast, the guys focus on Wednesday’s Eastern Conference Semifinal at Citi Field between New York City FC and Toronto FC. They also preview the other MLS Playoff matches on the schedule. 

New York City FC will move their playoff game on October 23 from Yankee Stadium to Citi Field - and in preparation for that match, the team has traveled to Chicago where they will play the Fire in a closed-door scrimmage at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.   City awaits the winner of the Toronto FC-DC United match which will be played on Saturday at 6pm ET. Last week the boys broke down the three Eastern Conference matches in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs and this week they do the same with the West. Also, a hard look at the USMNT following their 2-0 loss to Canada in the Nations League.

The boys review Decision Day and what it meant for New York City FC. While City welcomed James Sands and Anton Tinnerholm back to the lineup, both Heber and Ismael Tabour-Shradi sustained injuries that leaves a question about their availability for the Eastern Conference semifinal. We also take a close look at the opening round games in the Eastern Conference, especially Toronto FC - D.C. United. The winner of that match takes on NYCFC on October 23rd at either Yankee Stadium or Citi Field.

New York City FC has clinched the top seed in the MLS with one more regular season match to play this Sunday in Philadelphia. The boys talk about this matchup plus some of the other big matches on MLS Decision Day. Also, City has a contingency plan to move their playoff games to Citi Field in the event there is a conflict with the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. What will it mean to the club if they have to move their home games, that they have earned, to Flushing? Also, Gregg Berhalter released the names of his 26-player camp roster for the upcoming Nationals League matches.

New York City FC is one point away from clinching the Eastern Conference Championship after thrashing Atlanta United, 4-1 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium - the final home game of the regular season. The boys talk about the performance of Alexandru Mitrita who scored a first half hat-trick and Sebastian Ibeagha, who filled in for the injured Anton Tinnerholm. City has two road matches left starting with New England on Sunday. The Revolution need three points to clinch a playoff spot, and NYCFC will be without the services of Alex Ring and Taty Castellanos who are suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Will NYCFC be able to clinch on that day or will they have to wait till Decision Day on October 6 at the Philadelphia Union who rallied from a 1-0 deficit in San Jose on Wednesday night to win 2-1 and stay alive for the top spot in the east? Also, a look around the league as three more teams clinched playoff births.

In the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, the guys talk about the importance of the 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes - the fourth match in the last six where New York City FC came back from a goal down to win the match. NYCFC won for the first time in nine matches without playmaker Maxi Moralez and the boys describe how City changed their style without the MLS leader in assists. Also, they respond to the postgame comments from San Jose coach Matias Almeyda who called City’s home a “small-sided field” that is “not real."

With the tie on Wednesday against Toronto FC, New York City FC is in the midst of a 6-game unbeaten run. The boys chime in about the Toronto match and the victory over New England where Jesus Medina has his most influential match in a New York City uniform. City is at the top of the Eastern Conference and in control of their own destiny. We take a close-up look at the rest of the schedule for City and the other contenders in the east: Philadelphia and Atlanta. Also a look at the wild, wild, west where only four points separate 2nd place and 8th place. There has been debate about Gregg Berhalter’s tactics after the last two international friendlies for the USMNT and the boys give their ideas and opinions about what is best for the future.

New York City FC clinched a playoff berth with a victory over Vancouver but may have lost its leading scorer, Heber, for up to a month. In the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, hosts Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas discuss the win and the possible replacements for Heber ahead of NYCFC's match with the New England Revolution on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. The international break will have an impact on New York City’s squad sheet Saturday, as it will for teams across the league. What role does MLS play in solving these international break woes for teams either jockeying for playoff position or simply trying to qualify for the post season? Also, a close look at the impact of Bruce Arena, who has lost just one match in 13 since taking over for Brad Friedel at New England.

We take a close look at the Hudson River Derby and Red Bulls coach Chris Armas' post-game comments about New York City’s end of game tactics. Also, we examine some of the other big MLS matches with playoff implications and how some teams will be without their top players because of the FIFA window next week.

It’s MLS Rivalry Week so it’s another Hudson River Derby on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Both New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls earned victories on Wednesday night ahead of their 15th meeting in the regular season. The boys give their thoughts on the results from Wednesday, the marvelous goal by Carlos Vela for LAFC and the next edition of the New York Derby.  

How will New York City FC bounce back from a defeat in Atlanta where the captain and coach said the team lacked courage?  The hosts of the "Soccer in the City" podcast also discuss the parallel paths for Dome Torrent at New York City FC and Frank de Boer with Atlanta United. Also, five managers now sacked this season in MLS after Mike Petke in Real Salt Lake and Wilmer Cabrerra at Houston were dismissed -- both have Long Island connections.

Today’s podcast focuses on the upcoming Hudson River Derby at Red Bull Arena. This will be the 13th regular season derby and the boys discuss why New York City FC has been able to turn around their fortunes after a rugged start to the series.  Also, NYCFC loses in penalties to Orlando City at the US Open Cup.

Glenn Crooks and Roberto Abramowitz were out at NYCFC training Monday and spoke to Dome Torrent, Taty Castellanos and captain Alex Ring. That report plus much more about the 13-game unbeaten streak with Ariel Judas and Tom Kolker in the latest edition. Plus, the recent woes of the USMNT.

New York City FC thrashed FC Cincinnati at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night, 5-2. The boys will review all the highlights from that one and how the team must now prepare for the U.S. Open Cup match next Wednesday night at St. John’s University. The Pigeons have a 22-day break from regular MLS matches and own the league’s longest current active unbeaten steak at 10. The arrival of Héber and the emergence of Taty Castellanos are two players whose contributions are discussed at length. And with Maxi Moralez contract set to expire at the end of 2019, should NYCFC be talking to his agent about an extension - the boys think so.

Head coach Dome Torrent commented that the first half hour Saturday’s match in Chicago was the worst his team has played this year. New York City FC still managed a 1-1 draw with the Fire to extend their unbeaten streak to a league-high eight games.  The boys discuss how the team has progressed since Torrent’s arrival last June and what might mean for the remainder of the season.  Also, a preview of City’s match at Columbus and a look at The Leagues Cup with MLS and Liga MX competing in a summer competition. We also talk about Tab Ramos and the US U-20 team he coaches and how different it is from all the other US teams with an attractive style of play.

Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas talk about whether the break in New York City FC's schedule was good for the team or bad considering its seven-game unbeaten streak following the 2-0 win in LA over the Galaxy two weekends ago.  The guys also provide a detailed preview of Saturday’s road match against the Chicago Fire. Also, why is James Sands not on either the U20, U23 or full USMNT rosters for competitions this summer? 

We have a lot of discussion about the New York City FC season up to this point coming off a third consecutive road win against the Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the LA Galaxy. City are now unbeaten in their last seven matches with four victories after opening the season without a win in their first six - the boys will tell you why. Also, the they take a close look at the rest of the Eastern Conference and the potential impact of the New York City roster during the upcoming international break.

On the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, hosts Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas share their thoughts on the Jonathan Lewis trade and New York City FC's recent six-game unbeaten run, which is the longest active streak in Major League Soccer.  Also, the guys look ahead to NYCFC’s road match Saturday against the LA Galaxy and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who played one season with City head coach Dome Torrent at Barcelona. The Galaxy lost their second straight match Wednesday night at Columbus -- one of four MLS matches played Wednesday.

With James Sands likely out for the match against the Montreal Impact on Saturday, the boys ponder whether coach Dome Torrent and New York City FC will remain in a three-back system -- which has helped them to their first two wins of the season and a five-match unbeaten streak -- or will he change to a four-back shape. A lot of discussion here about the possible system and the players who fit in best. Also, the guys discuss the emergence of Héber, the striker who has greatly assisted the attack. They also take a look around the rest of the league, especially the Eastern Conference, where very few points separate the teams in playoff position.

New York City FC have won two in a row - their first two wins of the season and the boys review the wins at DC United on Sunday and home to the Chicago Fire on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. The new striker, Héber is leading the forward line and Sean Johnson records his second straight shutout - with a lot of help from the players in front of him.  Also, a look at Saturday’s home match versus Orlando City and a close at the teams around the league, especially the other four MLS matches played on Wednesday night.

New York City FC is winless in their first five matches and their inability to score is a focal point. The boys talk about how City can overcome the slow start with a difficult test in Minnesota where the Loons are christening Allianz Field - one of 7 stadiums around the world so named. Also, the Gold Cup schedule is out and a USA-Mexico final may be in the works.

On the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, hosts Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas discuss New York City FC’s dreadful 4-0 loss at Toronto FC, which featured the MLS debut of Toronto’s new designated player, Alejandro Pozuelo. One of Pozuelo’s goals was a Panenka penalty -- what is the Panenka? The boys give a history of its origins and some of the successes and failures over time.   Also, the guys preview Saturday's NYCFC vs. Montreal match. Some, including City head coach Dome Torrent, are calling it a “must win” for the Boys in Blue. Finally, Roberto is on the #SaveChicagoFire bandwagon. Find out more by listening.

The early season progress of New York City FC and the expectations going to Toronto for a Friday night matchup with the Reds. The boys also anticipate the arrival of Brazilian forward Héber and evaluate what kind of impact he can have with the club.  Also, Sean Johnson, Jonathan Lewis and eight others return from international duty - how did Johnson and the USMNT perform and what was Keaton Parks experience with former NYCFC coach Jason Kreis with the U.S. U-23’s?

New York City FC has begun the season with three points from three matches and six of the next eight games are on the road. Did they miss an opportunity by drawing their last two home matches?  The boys will evaluate that plus discuss the emergence of James Sands and the first goal of what should be many for Alexandru Mitriță. Also, it's time for the international break and 10 NYCFC players will be away on duty. The boys have some fun and go through what the lineup would look like if they had a match this weekend.

In the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, hosts Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas try and answer this: where are the goals going to come from for NYCFC? That continues to be a talking point for New York City FC, who played to their second draw in two matches against DC United on Sunday. Next up, LAFC and the boys take a close look at all the scenarios for this one. The guys also go over the latest call-ups for the US National Team ahead of their games against Ecuador and Chile. 

The boys review the 2-2 result at Orlando City. Was this a good point to take away on the road?  Plus, a look ahead to the home opener against DC United on Sunday. Also, is there too much publicity for 16-year old Efraín Álvarez at LA Galaxy following his debut over the weekend?  All that and more.

It’s opening weekend in MLS and the boys preview the New York City FC match at Orlando City SC. Is NYCFC a better team this year? That’s part of the discussion with a close look at the returning players and the newcomers.  Also, what are the expectations of some of the other teams in the league with so many new faces on the touchline?

Back with a new episode - we talk about the preseason roster and define the “false 9” that has been used by NYCFC in its first two scrimmages - and was coaches by City head coach Dome Torrent during his time with Pep Guardiola. Also, a look around the league and the new coaches in MLS

Maxime Chanot signed a multi-year contract with NYCFC and the boys talk about how important that was for the club moving forward. What are the expectations of the remaining players to replace the scoring output of David Villa? The phenomenon in Atlanta where the Five Stripes won MLS Cup.

On this week’s episode, Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, John Rojas and Glenn Crooks analyze what went wrong as New York City FC failed to advanced past the Conference Semifinals for the third consecutive season. The guys also discuss the speculation surrounding the future of David Villa and the rest of the first team. And then everyone makes their predictions for the MLS Final Four.