2016 had its share of ups and downs but for NYCFC, it was an exciting and historic year in so many ways.
Join us as we recap some of the major news stories from the year that was here on NYCFC.com.
Here’s what happened from January to June…
January
Patrick Vieira took up office as Head Coach, Jon Patricof was named as the new President of the club, while the 2016 schedule was released, revealing that NYCFC would kick off the campaign away at Chicago and that the Home Opener would be against Toronto.
In a busy month, Frederic Brillant, Jack Harrison, Mikey Lopez, Diego Martinez and Ronald Matarrita all joined the squad.
Quote of the Month: “Knowing the people of this football club, knowing the project of this football club, working with people that I trust and working on a project together had a massive impact on my decision” – Patrick Vieira
February
NYCFC’s secondary jersey was revealed, the team took part in a series of friendly matches and Federico Bravo signed on loan from Boca Juniors as preparations continued for the 2016 season.
Quote of the Month: “Without Pirlo, the Bionconeri are toothless vs Napoli. Juve’s loss is NYCFC’s gain” – Mayor Bill de Blasio
March
NYCFC kicked off the season on the road at Chicago where they recorded an exciting 4-3 win over Chicago. In the transfer market, the club brought in Shannon Gomez and Steven Mendoza on loan and also signed goalkeeper Andre Rawls.
Quote of the Month: “What I really want is to give the team an identity and a style of play. And then, if we play well enough, we will win games and we will win trophies” – Patrick Vieira
April
NYCFC managed to sign off the month with a first home win of the season over Vancouver Whitecaps (3-2) following a difficult April which saw the team draw two and lose two. In non-first-team news, NYCFC academy select teams travelled to Manchester to train and watch Man City at the Etihad.
Quote of the Month: “It was the first home victory here and we were able to give that present to our fans. Right now we are getting ready for three games on the road and it’s big to be able to do that right before” – David Villa
May
Jack Harrison made his MLS debut and the team went down to a heavy defeat against Red Bulls but NYCFC did enjoy one of the best victories of the season, winning 2-1 away at Portland Timbers on May 15.
Quote of the Month: “The first year is always more difficult for any new club. This year, the team is more compact. The new guys are helping us. There is more precision” – David Villa
June
June was month of two halves for NYCFC as the team suffered defeats to Real Salt Lake and the New York Cosmos before a thrilling 3-2 victory over Philadelphia was built upon with a 2-0 win over Seattle at Centurylink Field. Andrea Pirlo scored his first goal for the club, while Kwadwo Poku was transferred to Miami FC.
Quote of the Month: “We didn’t deserve anything today. Credit to New York City. I thought David Villa was the best player on the field by a lot” Philadelphia Head Coach, Jim Curtin
Join us tomorrow when we look at months July to December…
