There are no surprises for guessing what’s been making the majority of NYCFC-centric headlines this week…
The 90th minute of our 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union is the one that fans will remember for a lifetime as David Villa produced one of the best goals of his long and storied career: an incredible 53.5 yard hit which secured the first road win of 2017.
It’s a goal which has drawn thousands upon thousands of words all across the globe, including these sentiments in the Washington Post.
Their story read: “Sure, the MLS regular season still has over six months to go, but no matter. The league’s goal of the year was scored Friday night by New York City FC’s David Villa.
“The 35-year-old striker showed the talent that made him a star for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, chipping Philadelphia Union goalie Andre Blake for a game-clinching score in the 90th minute.
“Oh, and the chip came from just a few steps past the halfway line, making for a mind-boggling long-range strike.”
Goal of the Year? At the time of writing, it’s not even winning MLS Goal of the Week, so do your thing and get voting here!
The New York Post agreed that it was a world class strike.
Reporter Caitlin Murray wrote: “Andre Blake is perhaps the best goalkeeper in MLS right now, and he’s proved it time and time again.
“But David Villa, who had already been denied Friday night by Blake, decided to try a new way to beat the goalkeeper. He launched a rocket from halfway up the field and scored a goal that even Villa himself seemed shocked by.
“Two words: World. Class.”
Moving on, NYCFC’s U16 squad earned the club’s first-ever piece of silverware at the Generation adidas Cup Premier Division in Texas last weekend.
Giovanni Reyna earned the Golden Ball award for best player and is the subject of an article on MLSSoccer.com where legendary coach Sigi Schmid revealed his impressions of the 14-year old.
"He's just composed, he doesn't panic on the ball. It's the quality that his father had.
“He might have a touch more speed, as he showed on that penalty. He's still going to grow, he's still going to mature into his body but his composure and awareness on the field is definitely something that is very unique and good.”
Finally, ESPN FC have shone a light on the relationship between Jack Harrison and Villa, running some quotes from the English winger on the subject.
According to Jack: "He's always looking to help others out. Just watching him, you learn so much. I feel like I've done that already last year, and I'm hoping to keep improving.
"It was good to get another goal. I feel like I've definitely been better in front of goal the past couple of games. And it was nice to finally get one today."
