New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira has had a rotation in the midfield early this season, mixing and matching to find the right combination on the given day.
For the past three games, Mikey Lopez has been given the chance to start and has thrived with the added responsibility.
“It feels great. I’m so thankful and blessed that I’ve gotten the opportunity and that it’s gone well,” Lopez said. “It’s a really good feeling knowing that they have confidence in me and they keep giving me the opportunity.”
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The 23-year-old, who came off the bench against the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC, earned his first NYCFC start against the Philadelphia Union and played all but 12 minutes of the three games in eight days.
Lopez, who spent his first three years in MLS with Sporting Kansas City, had four total shots in his three starts and also picked up a yellow card in each match, proving he’s not afraid to provide a bit of bite in the midfield.
“I like his energy, his enthusiasm, his competitiveness,” Vieira said of Lopez. “I think he’s a player who gives us a lot on that side. I was really pleased. The same with Federico [Bravo], I think having those two allowed Andrea [Pirlo] to be more on the ball.”
Lopez said it has been easy to blend with Bravo and Pirlo because of the defined roles in their partnership.
“I think my role is similar to Federico’s where we’re both fighters and we’ll both win the ball and distribute,” Lopez said. “I feel like I found my way on the team and I feel that the partnership between the three of us is growing each day in practice and in each game. Since the Philly game we’ve gotten better as a midfield,as a whole.”
Lopez said there’s also a trust that has been earned, an understanding cultivated on the training ground and put into practice on game days with Pirlo.
“It’s good because he knows if he goes anywhere he’ll have me and Federico to cover for him,” Lopez said. “That’s our biggest strength that we bring to the game.”
