Soccer In The City Podcast

We take a close look at the Hudson River Derby and Red Bulls coach Chris Armas' post-game comments about New York City’s end of game tactics. Also, we examine some of the other big MLS matches with playoff implications and how some teams will be without their top players because of the FIFA window next week.

It’s MLS Rivalry Week so it’s another Hudson River Derby on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Both New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls earned victories on Wednesday night ahead of their 15th meeting in the regular season. The boys give their thoughts on the results from Wednesday, the marvelous goal by Carlos Vela for LAFC and the next edition of the New York Derby.  

How will New York City FC bounce back from a defeat in Atlanta where the captain and coach said the team lacked courage?  The hosts of the "Soccer in the City" podcast also discuss the parallel paths for Dome Torrent at New York City FC and Frank de Boer with Atlanta United. Also, five managers now sacked this season in MLS after Mike Petke in Real Salt Lake and Wilmer Cabrerra at Houston were dismissed -- both have Long Island connections.

Today’s podcast focuses on the upcoming Hudson River Derby at Red Bull Arena. This will be the 13th regular season derby and the boys discuss why New York City FC has been able to turn around their fortunes after a rugged start to the series.  Also, NYCFC loses in penalties to Orlando City at the US Open Cup.

Glenn Crooks and Roberto Abramowitz were out at NYCFC training Monday and spoke to Dome Torrent, Taty Castellanos and captain Alex Ring. That report plus much more about the 13-game unbeaten streak with Ariel Judas and Tom Kolker in the latest edition. Plus, the recent woes of the USMNT.

New York City FC thrashed FC Cincinnati at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night, 5-2. The boys will review all the highlights from that one and how the team must now prepare for the U.S. Open Cup match next Wednesday night at St. John’s University.The Pigeons have a 22-day break from regular MLS matches and own the league’s longest current active unbeaten steak at 10. The arrival of Héber and the emergence of Taty Castellanos are two players whose contributions are discussed at length.And with Maxi Moralez contract set to expire at the end of 2019, should NYCFC be talking to his agent about an extension - the boys think so.

Head coach Dome Torrent commented that the first half hour Saturday’s match in Chicago was the worst his team has played this year. New York City FC still managed a 1-1 draw with the Fire to extend their unbeaten streak to a league-high eight games.  The boys discuss how the team has progressed since Torrent’s arrival last June and what might mean for the remainder of the season.  Also, a preview of City’s match at Columbus and a look at The Leagues Cup with MLS and Liga MX competing in a summer competition. We also talk about Tab Ramos and the US U-20 team he coaches and how different it is from all the other US teams with an attractive style of play.

Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas talk about whether the break in New York City FC's schedule was good for the team or bad considering its seven-game unbeaten streak following the 2-0 win in LA over the Galaxy two weekends ago.  The guys also provide a detailed preview of Saturday’s road match against the Chicago Fire. Also, why is James Sands not on either the U20, U23 or full USMNT rosters for competitions this summer? 

We have a lot of discussion about the New York City FC season up to this point coming off a third consecutive road win against the Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the LA Galaxy. City are now unbeaten in their last seven matches with four victories after opening the season without a win in their first six - the boys will tell you why. Also, the they take a close look at the rest of the Eastern Conference and the potential impact of the New York City roster during the upcoming international break.

On the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, hosts Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas share their thoughts on the Jonathan Lewis trade and New York City FC's recent six-game unbeaten run, which is the longest active streak in Major League Soccer.  Also, the guys look ahead to NYCFC’s road match Saturday against the LA Galaxy and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who played one season with City head coach Dome Torrent at Barcelona. The Galaxy lost their second straight match Wednesday night at Columbus -- one of four MLS matches played Wednesday.

With James Sands likely out for the match against the Montreal Impact on Saturday, the boys ponder whether coach Dome Torrent and New York City FC will remain in a three-back system -- which has helped them to their first two wins of the season and a five-match unbeaten streak -- or will he change to a four-back shape. A lot of discussion here about the possible system and the players who fit in best. Also, the guys discuss the emergence of Héber, the striker who has greatly assisted the attack. They also take a look around the rest of the league, especially the Eastern Conference, where very few points separate the teams in playoff position.

New York City FC have won two in a row - their first two wins of the season and the boys review the wins at DC United on Sunday and home to the Chicago Fire on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. The new striker, Héber is leading the forward line and Sean Johnson records his second straight shutout - with a lot of help from the players in front of him.  Also, a look at Saturday’s home match versus Orlando City and a close at the teams around the league, especially the other four MLS matches played on Wednesday night.

New York City FC is winless in their first five matches and their inability to score is a focal point. The boys talk about how City can overcome the slow start with a difficult test in Minnesota where the Loons are christening Allianz Field - one of 7 stadiums around the world so named. Also, the Gold Cup schedule is out and a USA-Mexico final may be in the works.

On the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, hosts Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas discuss New York City FC’s dreadful 4-0 loss at Toronto FC, which featured the MLS debut of Toronto’s new designated player, Alejandro Pozuelo. One of Pozuelo’s goals was a Panenka penalty -- what is the Panenka? The boys give a history of its origins and some of the successes and failures over time.   Also, the guys preview Saturday's NYCFC vs. Montreal match. Some, including City head coach Dome Torrent, are calling it a “must win” for the Boys in Blue. Finally, Roberto is on the #SaveChicagoFire bandwagon. Find out more by listening.

The early season progress of New York City FC and the expectations going to Toronto for a Friday night matchup with the Reds. The boys also anticipate the arrival of Brazilian forward Héber and evaluate what kind of impact he can have with the club.  Also, Sean Johnson, Jonathan Lewis and eight others return from international duty - how did Johnson and the USMNT perform and what was Keaton Parks experience with former NYCFC coach Jason Kreis with the U.S. U-23’s?

New York City FC has begun the season with three points from three matches and six of the next eight games are on the road. Did they miss an opportunity by drawing their last two home matches?  The boys will evaluate that plus discuss the emergence of James Sands and the first goal of what should be many for Alexandru Mitriță. Also, it's time for the international break and 10 NYCFC players will be away on duty. The boys have some fun and go through what the lineup would look like if they had a match this weekend.

In the latest episode of the "Soccer in the City" podcast, hosts Tom Kolker, Roberto Abramowitz, Glenn Crooks and John Rojas try and answer this: where are the goals going to come from for NYCFC? That continues to be a talking point for New York City FC, who played to their second draw in two matches against DC United on Sunday. Next up, LAFC and the boys take a close look at all the scenarios for this one. The guys also go over the latest call-ups for the US National Team ahead of their games against Ecuador and Chile. 

The boys review the 2-2 result at Orlando City. Was this a good point to take away on the road?  Plus, a look ahead to the home opener against DC United on Sunday. Also, is there too much publicity for 16-year old Efraín Álvarez at LA Galaxy following his debut over the weekend?  All that and more.

It’s opening weekend in MLS and the boys preview the New York City FC match at Orlando City SC. Is NYCFC a better team this year? That’s part of the discussion with a close look at the returning players and the newcomers.  Also, what are the expectations of some of the other teams in the league with so many new faces on the touchline?

Back with a new episode - we talk about the preseason roster and define the “false 9” that has been used by NYCFC in its first two scrimmages - and was coaches by City head coach Dome Torrent during his time with Pep Guardiola. Also, a look around the league and the new coaches in MLS