With the 2016 MLS season coming to an end for NYCFC on Sunday, there’s been a lot of stock-taking in the pixelated and printed press in the last week.
We kick off our media roundup with a well measured piece from ESPN FC’s Graham Parker who posits that, while the Playoff exit was painful, there are green shoots wherever you look following Patrick Vieira’s first season in charge.
“The short and eventful history of New York City FC added another painful chapter on Sunday with the 5-0 defeat at the hands of Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium,” Parker writes.
“But don't feel sorry for the second-year team. What Patrick Vieira wrought in getting the team to an automatic conference semifinal spot was way beyond any reasonable projection you could have made about this team at the start of the year.
“As the team that vanquished them can tell you, other expansion sides have endured longer and more painful waits to see any playoff soccer, in much less advanced or competitive moments.
“So the misadventure against Toronto aside, this has been a year that should go down as being ahead of schedule for NYCFC. If Vieira continues his work next year, there's an opportunity to consolidate one of the more-defined stylistic projects in the league.”
Elsewhere, the future of Bastian Schweinsteiger has been making news on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Manchester United midfielder is being linked with a move to MLS with NYCFC one of the potential destinations, according to reports.
EmpireofSoccer.com is one website which carries these rumors on the former German international’s next destination.
Anthony J. Merced reports: “Bastian Schweinsteiger may be moving to MLS after all following new rumors from Squawka that he’s held discussions with several teams — including teams in “Los Angeles and New York.”
“The 32-year-old midfielder has had a tumultuous time with Manchester United, fighting injuries, and now fighting for a place under manager Jose Mourinho.
“The World Cup winner has apparently been told he will not play for the Red Devils this season, which has sparked outrage from German football fans and pundits.
“The most appealing part of Schweinsteiger is the fact that he could join an MLS club on a free transfer should the player be able to negotiate a cancellation of his hefty contract.
“Currently he is set to make 150,000 British pounds a week.
The New York Red Bulls have gone out of their way to remove themselves from the conversation in recent months, leaving New York City FC as the only New York team standing.”
As ever, remember that any confirmed signings in and out will be confirmed first here on NYCFC.com throughout the winter.
That’s all for this media roundup – more NYCFC headlines coming your way next week!
