It’s the international break and so we thought it was the perfect time to take a pause and a look back at the first 15 games of the MLS Season.
Over the next few days we’ll be asking members of NYCFC’s Digital Team for their picks for Player, Match, Goal and Moment of 2017 (so far).
We continue our staff nominations with a look at some of the most gripping moments we’ve witnessed in the first 15…
Carter Daly: Social Media Manager
Moment: Sean Johnson save(s) Away vs. FC Dallas
Moments that felt like encroaching defeat - only to have the positive result protected over and over again by #1. Sean Johnson has been vital to New York City FC’s improved defense and team play, and the shot-stopping work in this one was a different level.
.@SeanJohnGK is up for @MLS Save of the Week, because this.
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) May 15, 2017
VOTE NOW https://t.co/3X6yjsyUdUpic.twitter.com/E6BkLacPgu
Mark Booth: Managing Editor
Moment: U16s Win Generation Adidas Cup
The youngest team in their section of the Generation adidas Cup in Texas, to say that Matt Pilkington’s U16s took the tournament by storm would be an understatement.
Landing the club’s first-ever piece of silverware, the boys in blue went through the entire tournament without conceding a single goal, defeating more senior opponents from the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica.
They approached each game with a character, maturity and personality that belied their modest years and the heartwarming scenes at the trophy presentation when our U12s joined the celebrations will stay with all those who watched for years to come.
Milo Kowalski: Graphic Designer
Moment: Villa’s 50-yarder vs Philadelphia
Has to be The Chip. The only word that comes to mind thinking about that goal is audacious. The skill, the self-confidence, the understanding of physics even that a player has to have to attempt that shot is of another level. And on top of all that it iced the match and sent the travelling supporters into a frenzy.
Daniel Khudyak: Coordinator, Video
Moment: Sweat’s Assist vs. Columbus
Ben Sweat’s game tying assist versus Columbus Crew to help edge us into an eventual comeback victory.
He was returning to his old club after spending a season in the lower division with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. After grinding through preseason and earning a spot, he found himself in the starting lineup in an MLS game once again.
He faked out a defensive attempt on the left wing and sent a perfectly placed ball to Yangel Herrera. Not only did this propel the team to an eventual 3-2 road win, it was a testament to how much Sweat worked to get himself back into the league and into an important role on NYCFC’s squad.
Another Look: @YangelHerrera8 scores his first career @MLS goal pic.twitter.com/mZEokzKFGR
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) April 30, 2017
What’s your moment of the season so far? Let us know on Twitter and join us tomorrow when we deliberate on the early frontrunners for player of 2017.
