Episode 511: First Memories, Player Interactions, Supporter Culture

As we watch NYCFC play it’s eleventh season in MLS we thought it would be a perfect time to capture some memories of the first ten years.  During the beginning of this season Mike Anderer sat down with some notable fans and friends to hear their stories about the growth of the team.  Featured in these episodes are Jon Sanchez, Andy Bajana, Trey Fillmore, Christian Polanco, Chelsea Socias, Gretta Fernandez, Deron Jenkins, Danny Chediak, Brenda Picinic and Karol Lamb.  

Episode 510:

Pascal Jansen did not mince words in his post game press conference following the 2-1 loss for NYCFC against last place, DC United.  He called out his team saying the “attack was not good enough”.  

Yes, DC capitalized on two key moments, but it was the lack of creativity and chances that lead to the home loss.  Remiscient of Ronny Deila’s infamous, “I’d rather win 5-4 than 1-0” quote, Jansen thinks his team should be able to score more than one goal against a team that came into Yankee Stadium with the worst goal differential in the league.

The guys take a stab at trying to make this week without a league game less depressing with their takes and comments on NYCFC.

Episode 509:

Are the other teams in MLS sleeping on NYCFC?  That was the debate happening after NYCFC walked into TQL Stadium and took three points from FC Cincinnati and helped de-throne the Supporter’s Shield leaders on Saturday night.

Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen share their opposing views on the subject.  They discuss the emergence of Alonso Martinez and what that means for his value as a striker and also discuss what they feel are the top non-PK goals in club history.

Episode 508:

The weather delay on Sunday at Yankee Stadium was not as bad as the delay from August 11, 2021 but don’t tell that to the fans that waited over an hour and twenty minutes before plays late in the first half of NYCFC’s victory over Nashville SC.  

It was also the second game in a row that NYCFC players scuffled with their opponent.  This time it was Alonso Martinez running about 40 yards to come to his teammate’s defense.

This week Mike Anderer and J.R. diBart welcome Adam and Justin from Post 90 Podcast on the show to breakdown the game.

Episode 507:

NYCFC’s Leagues Cup run came to an end after a heated 2-1 loss “on the road” in Yankee Stadium to Toluca.  The game included intense moments of drama and NYCFC had their opportunities but did not capitalize on them.

This week J.R. diBart, Mike Allen and Mike Anderer review the Leagues Cup from an NYCFC perspective.  They talk about the identity of this club and their willingness to fight for each other.  And where are the signings?  Where is the help for Pascal Jansen?

Episode 506:

Were you shocked to see the title of this week’s episode comes from an Animaniac’s song from 2020?  Is that really more shocking that NYCFC conceding three first half goals only to have the FC Dallas lead erased by two Alonso Martinez goals to wrap up the first NYCFC Away Game hat trick in club history? 

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen go back over the chaos that was a Friday night in Frisco, Texas as Pascal Jansen coached his tired and weary team to seven points from a difficult four games on the road.  

And as always remember Banana hammock is a another word for thong.

Episode 505:

It is the dog days of summer, whatever that really means.  For NYCFC it meant to hot and humid matches.  It also meant Pascal Jansen in a full track suit both nights.  It also meant very limited rotation of players in a week with short rest.  Most importantly it meant 4 points on the table.

This week Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart go over the last two matches, talk about the absence of Mitjia Illenic and talk about the recommendations to MLS owners about changing the league format and schedule.  

Episode 504:

This week America was on full display as the Club World Cup Final was played in Met Life Stadium in NJ and NYCFC traveled to Charlotte.  Mike Allen and Mike Anderer are joined by Christian Smith to breakdown the week in soccer and to look ahead at a busy week for NYCFC with two more road games coming up.

Episode 503:

The Gold Cup comes to an end with the USMNT falling to their rivals Mexico in Houston.  Sports loves controversy and in the 66th minute of the final there was a huge moment that impacted the outcome.  

NYCFC also hosted another across the border rival in Yankee Stadium and Mitjia Illenic was in the thick of building the tension between the two sides.

Oh, and then there’s the rumors of a new attacking midfielder, but we’ll get to that at the end of the show.

Episode 502:

This week was a tough one for the odds makers.  CF Montreal had not won a home game all season long.  NYCFC is notoriously bad as a road team and had already handed CF Montreal one of their few victories this season.  CF Montreal was missing seven players to international duty and NYCFC was missing their striker and starting keeper.  Then, if it wasn’t difficult enough for the Vegas bookies, two days before the match it was announced that NYCFC head coach, Pascal Jansen, had to return to Europe for a family emergency.

In the end, the game played out as expected.  NYCFC played down to their opponent’s table position and lost 1-0.  Luckily for NYCFC fans their two international stars, Matt Freese and Alonso Martinez, took center stage at the Gold Cup and truly put on a show.  That’s how Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart start off this week’s episode.