Game #97- New York City Football Club

New York City Football Club vs. New England Revolution Yankee Stadium May 31, 2017 I’m in New Jersey for a pitch meeting, but because it takes so long to fly out to the east coast I needed to arrive a day early. That allowed me to make my way to New York to catch a soccer game between the New York City Football Club and New England Revolution. The game took place in the new Yankee Stadium which looks very similar to the old building. They mimicked the upper rafters, the front of the stadium has the same facade, and the layout of the field all play homage to the original ballpark that was demolished just a few years ago (now there is a sort of sports complex in its place). I was able to snag a good seat almost dead center field to enjoy the action. I was excited to see super star David Villa on the pitch. After seeing him play for Spain for years in the World Cup, it was cool to have him lead the new franchise NYCFC to a possible home win. The action started early with a quick goal by Jack Harrison in the 16 minute to give NY an early lead but it was quickly equalized by Kei Kamara in the 24th minute to tie the game. It wasn’t until the second half in which Miguel Camargo placed a perfect ball into the net to give the home team the lead again making the crowd of nearly 30,000 jump to their feet, feeling they surely will come away with 3 points. But after a brilliant ball juggle and pass by Kelyn Rowe, Xavier Kouassi headed in the tying goal into the left side of the net for a final 2-2 draw. The game ended right on time because as the players were leaving the field it started to drizzle and by the time I got back to the car it was pouring. The highlight of the game was the chant from the NYCFC faithful. After several clear dives trying to gain a card or set piece, the supporters club started screaming “Masshole, Masshole, Masshole!!!!” So funny. The other part of the game that was somewhat entertaining/annoying was the d-bag sitting two rows in front of me. He was the typical loud, obnoxious “fan” who doesn’t actually watch the team let alone sport. He had a brand new team hat (on backwards, off course) and jersey that were clearly bought that day, and was drunkenly screaming at ever call against NY. Clearly the intention was to have his conversation heard by everyone around him not just the 4 dudes sitting in his row. “D bag” made a $100 bet that NY would not lose with 20 minutes left in the game. So when the Revs tied it with 4 minutes left I was laughing out loud along with the rowdy dudes next to me who were in town from Manchester.

I walked around the stadium to take some pictures, but it really didn’t have much displayed. Perhaps everything was in the area in the outfield (obviously it was all Yankee centric) where the retired player numbers and plaques are located, but I don’t think you can get down there unless you are on a stadium tour.