Blue City Radio Podcast

Episode 474:

In hindsight maybe the guys from Post90 Podcast and The City Boys have been right all along? To be fair, there was a show called City Post Game Live in 2016-2017 that had a little traction, but I digress.

This week Mike Anderer and Mike Allen turn on the mics during the last 15 minutes of the NYCFC away match in Cincinnati and then discuss their reactions after the final whistle. Included are the post game pressers from Keaton Parks and Nick Cushing as well as some discussion on where Nick Cushing might be blowing his whistle next season.

Episode 473:

In the ten season history of NYCFC, the team had only lost to Montreal twice. Once was in 2020 during the “Covid” season that will forever be tainted by the impact the pandemic had on rosters, venues, and fan support. The second time was in NYCFC’s inaugural season under head coach, Jason Kreis. Back in 2015 NYCFC was a project. It was not well-oiled machine like it’s counterpart in Manchester. But in 2024, already with a championship and an international trophy already in its case, the team should be more than a project. More than a young coach and youthful squad going through a multi-season long process. The team at this point should be “plug and play” with depth both on the roster but also in its reserve squad. And yet, here we are, again, limping into the playoffs grasping at the thin chances of advancing to the meaningful moments in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. deBart, and Mike Allen look at the 2024 regular season with a discerning critical eye and also recap the loss in Montreal that brought up the memories of the team under Jason Kreis.

Episode 472:

After a statement win in Harrison NJ last week, NYCFC had to host two games as the home team in the same arena. Both games the boys in blue were victorious setting up some great momentum going into the international break and then the return to Decision Day in Montreal on October 19.

This week Mike Anderer welcomes back Haylon Harroo from Five Borough Footy to give some commentary and analysis on Nick Cushing’s team as the regular season comes to an end and the post season looms on the horizon.

Episode 471:

Historic moments often come completely by surprise. NYCFC’s first MLS Cup Championship was the pinnacle moment for fans, but it was a cup final. Expectations were high, but the outcome was plausible. The team had earned a chance to have that special moment.

This past week NYCFC traveled to their home away from home in Harrison, NJ to face their cross-town rivals and the outcome was far from expected.

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. deBart, and Mike Allen gloat over the dominant performance from Nick Cushing’s side from Saturday. There’s audio from Nick Cushing, Hannes Wolf and Brad Sims.

Episode 470:

For a club and organization that talks so much about identity and focusing on their own style of play NYCFC’s performances are the furthest thing from consistent. It has been a theme and talking point about this young group of players all season long and this week was a perfect example of the chasm between the lowest performances and the strongest team play.

This week Mike Anderer and J.R. Dibart welcome Alec Kousoff from Five Borough Footy to the show as a guest to break down the miserable loss from the midweek to Philadelphia and the frenzied circus that comes to town with Inter Miami.

Included in the show are quotes from Thiago Martins, Keaton Parks, Nick Cushing, Strahina Tanasijevic, Tayvon Gray, Mitjia Illenic and Alonso Martinez

Episode 469:

Let’s face facts. After 28 games it is becoming clear that NYCFC under Nick Cushing is a mediocre team. Occasional flashes of brilliance, long stretches of possession without purpose, but worst of all a commitment to underperforming talent. Last year in 2023 the team suffered through the extended Barraza experiment and in a “rinse and repeat” pattern 2024 saw the Bakrar drought go on and on. Even after the emergence of Alonso Martinez, Bakrar still finds his way on to the pitch for 20 minutes per match.

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. deBart and Mike Allen take a long hard look at the club’s identity as being a mid-table side that will compete, but ultimately lacks the talent to be a top tier team in the league. Nick Cushing has put his stamp on the squad and the ink-stained image on the crest reads, “Ordinary”.

Episode 468:

Not much goes smooth and simple with NYCFC. Their first-ever signing is now scorned by half of the fanbase, their second biggest signing arrived months later than anticipated, heck, even Jason Kreis misspoke during the expansion draft that gave Orlando the first pick in that year’s superdraft. Since day one there has been chaos and controversy. So why after 10 years would fans expect anything less when it comes to elements as beloved and cherished as the team badge?

This week Mike Anderer and J.R. deBart are joined by Haylon Harroo from Five Borough Footy to discuss the unexpected update to the iconic NYCFC badge.

Episode 467:

Each week the goal is to find a whimsical title for the episodes but this week required brazen honesty.

NYCFC flew to Columbus and played the reigning MLS Champions to a hard fought 2-2 draw for 90 minutes. The final score would be 4-2 after the home side notched two goals in stoppage time. While NYCFC head coach and players blamed Ted Unkel for the loss, the reality was that NYCFC wasted numerous chances to put the game away.

In the episode Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen go over the game but also take a deep dive into the leadership of the team starting with head coach, Nick Cushing.

Episode 466:

MLS regular season returns and there are only nine games remaining. NYCFC dropped points in a crucial match-up against a struggling Chicago Fire side on Saturday night in Flushing.

This week the two Mikes (Anderer and Allen) are joined by Justin Egan and Chris Campbell of The Outfield to talk about Leagues Cup, NYCFC playing down to their competition and the draw from CitiField.

Episode 465:

After shocking Tigres in Red Bull Arena last Tuesday night, NYCFC took reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew, to PK’s in a tense quarterfinal match on Saturday night.

NYCFC returns to MLS league play this coming Saturday at home, in CitiField against the Chicago Fire. The big question is which team will show up for Nick Cushing on Saturday, the gritty squad from the two most recent games or the passive group that could barely muster any offense against New England and Queretero?

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. deBart and Mike Allen talk about all that and more on Blue City Radio