bluecityradio's podcast

The soccer world, maybe even the sporting world is focused on the US, Mexico and Canada as 48 teams battle for the title of World Champion.  This week Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart catch up on all of the action from the first two weeks of matches and share their favorite stories and highlights from the tournament so far.  They also take the second part of the show to reflect on the first 15 games of the MLS season for NYCFC and how the summer transfer window will impact the squad including the return of two players back from loans.

As the world waits with baited breath for the first whistle in the Men's World Cup for 2026 the chaos around ticket prices continues.   This week Mike Allen, J.R. diBart and Mike Anderer talk about NYCFC season ticket contracts, the NBA finals and the World Cup fever embracing NYC.

This week Mike Allen, J.R. diBart and Joe Chadwick attended the USMNT Roster Reveal event in NYC. The guys take a look at the roster and talk about the upcoming World Cup.  There's audio from Sergenio Dest and Gio Reyna.

Many MLS fans are still trying to figure out how to process a two month long break in the middle of the season.  Most NYCFC fans had high expectations for this past week.  A chance to advance to the semi-finals of the US Open Cup.  A chance to change the narrative that the club never took the competition seriously.  Pascal Jansen previously had said himself that the tournament was a great way to win a trophy.  But after conceding the lone goal of the match in the 59th minute, NYCFC appeared to clean house and rest players for the next MLS match. If some NYCFC fans were not sure how to feel about the break, the last two matches will make you want to forget about the club for a while. This week Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. give their best takes on how NYCFC fell so low in such a short amount of time.

The hectic schedule for NYCFC continues.  A midweek clash in Charlotte followed by a derby game on Saturday all leading up to a tough Quarterfinal coming up on Wednesday.  It feels as if Jansen has the team running on fumes going into the World Cup break. This week the guys talk about the injury that saw Maxi Moralez leave the field on Saturday and the return of Malachi Jones to a more prominent role in the squad.  

It felt like it had been 84 years since NYCFC won an MLS game.  But it had only been seven regular season games and the only two victories were in the US Open Cup.   Finally NYCFC broke out of their slump against a struggling Columbus Crew to slide back up the Eastern Conference table. This week Christian Smith fills in for J.R. with Mike and Mike as the three talk about Jansen's coaching styles, the team's response to the run of poor results and of course the hat trick by Hannes Wolf.

Pascal Jansen is losing his mojo.  As the sixth NYCFC head coach following the underwhelming performances by the club under Nick Cushing, Jansen was welcomed with enthusiasm.  His results also earned him favor in the locker room, and from fans and the media as well.  Now after an abysmal stretch of six game where they only took 2 points with four of those games coming at home, the honeymoon is over. This week the guys are back to look at the results against FC Cincinnati and CF Montreal.

In the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs New York City FC went to Charlotte and achieved something they had never accomplished before, they defeated the home team, twice.  Those two losses eliminated Charlotte FC from the playoffs and NYCFC would move on to face Philadelphia in the next round.   This past Saturday Charlotte got their revenge.   Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart are back this week to look at how NYCFC dropped another home game and sit winless in four league games.

NYCFC were eager to get back on the field again after losing a difficult match to defending Western Conference Champions, The Vancouver Whitecaps, away on Saturday.   Luckily the next match was a redemption game in US Open Cup as NYCFC would travel to West Chester to face USL League One side, West Chester FC.   This week Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart focus on the positives and the good gets better with a 5-2 victory for the boys from the Bronx.

NYCFC returned to action after the international break and dropped two points from a winning position at home.  The second time they dropped points in as many games. Clinging onto a one goal lead late into second half stoppage time, tire legs and tired minds would fail the boys in blue as St Louis City would score the equalizer in the 96th minute. In this episode, Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart talk about the good parts and the bad parts of the match. There is also audio from Pascal Jansen and NYCFC goal-scorer, Hannes Wolf.

NYCFC took advantage of the off week for the FIFA International window and hosted the Topping Off ceremony as the last horizontal steel beam was placed in Etihad Park.   This week Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart talk about the event, what if AI became part of VAR analysis and the USMNT as they play two important friendly's to prepare for the World Cup.

NYCFC hosting Inter Miami on a Sunday afternoon could have been a showcase for MLS.  Florida versus New York.  Instead it was an exhibition of absurdity. This week Mike Anderer and J.R. diBart welcome back Christian Smith to breakdown the Sunday afternoon match and all of it's highs and lows. At the end of the show listen to post-game audio from Tayvon Gray, Kevin O'Toole, Johnny Shore and Thiago Martins.

NYCFC faced their toughest challenge to date in 2026 with the Colorado Rapids coming to Yankee Stadium last Saturday.  While the Rapids failed to capitalize on their sustained possession, they still proved to be a strong opponent both with their intense press and their defensive rotations. It would be a Nico Fernandez Mercau brace that put NYCFC in the winning position, but the goal of the night was the Talles Magno icing on the cake that sealed the victory in the 85th minute. This week Mike Anderer and J.R. diBart welcome Christian Smith to talk about NYCFC Legends and the game from the weekend.

Home Opening games are meant to be a good time.  The guys from the NYCFC Forever Podcast referenced it as being akin to the first day of school as a kid.  First time in a while when you get to see your friends again. NYCFC made sure that the fans that packed Yankee Stadium last Saturday afternoon had a good time, partially thanks to a 16th minute goal keeper gaff. Before the guys got to talking about the game they discussed the media availability with Todd Dunivant and Brad Sims.

A huge takeaway from NYCFC's draw in Los Angeles in week one of the season was not being able to capitalize on the man advantage after LA received the red card with 30 minutes left to play.  In week two, NYCFC had less time with a man advantage, but they definitely learned from their mistakes and made Philadelphia pay the price. This week on Blue City Radio Mike Anderer and Mike Allen discuss the road win and the fact that NYCFC is undefeated in two games to start the 2026 campaign.  In the show there is audio from Pascal Jansen, Keaton Parks and Tayvon Gray.

Stop us if you have heard this before, NYCFC need a striker. Once again a team with so much promise and quality lacks a definitive player in the key role of striker.  Since the departure of David Villa in 2018 the club has really only seen one quality replacement as a number nine, in Taty Castellanos.  Heber had a good season with NYCFC, but he was never the same after his injury. The start of the 2026 campaign was a stark reminder of why having such a gaping hole in the middle of the attack will limit any team's chances on truly challenging for hardware. This Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen break the opening game of the season down.  They also share some audio from Pascal Jansen, Tayvon Gray and NYCFC newcomer, Kai Trewin.

This week NYCFC supporters got their first real look at the 2026 squad with a livestream of the team's preseason match against LAFC. Spoiler alert: it looked very similar to last year's team.   This week Mike Anderer, JR diBart and Mike Allen chat about the game and also give some over/under predictions ahead of the start of the season. In the second segment, Favian Renkel from Kickbase joins the show to talk MLS Fantasy.

This was a busy week for New York City FC. First scrimmage of 2026 in the books. Two players out on loan. One player signing confirmed and one rumored. First official press conferences of the season. It feels like the new season is right around the corner because it is.  This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen tackle all the news stories from the club and include some audio from CSO, Todd Dunivant, and head coach, Pascal Jansen.

This week marks the official return of the players for 2026 so it is only fitting that Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen return to the virtual studio to kick off their 2026 with a discussion about Talles Magno, Keaton Parks and the other returning players to NYCFC.

We have all experienced the feeling of not being valued at work.  Value is not about the price tag or cost, it is about the experience.   This week former-NYCFC defender, Justin Haak, made the choice to sign with LA Galaxy.  In the move Haak reportedly signed for a lower salary than offered by NYCFC.   This week the guys discuss the departure of the homegrown player.  They also look ahead at what key positions NYCFC need to fill once they start signing players in 2026.

Ultimately NYCFC lost their semifinal match to the eventual champions.  That might not dampen the pain of the 5-1 loss in the Eastern Conference Final but it is a reminder of the success new coach Pascal Jansen had with the club in his first year. Now enter a new Chief Soccer Officer in Todd Dunivant.  This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen discuss what they know about the new CSO and also look at how he will impact NYCFC. They also talk about the 2026 schedule, the 2027 calendar shift and ticket prices in Etihad Park.

For most of the 2025 season a big talking point about NYCFC was the young average age of the squad.  These weren't players in their prime.  That changed in summer with the additions of Aiden O'Neill, Nicolas Fernandez Mercau and Raul Gustavo.  Even with those players coming in and helping the club reach another Eastern Conference Final it was not shocking to hear head coach, Pascal Jansen, lecture the team on naivete following the 5-1 loss in Fort Lauderdale. This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen break it all down and discuss their opinions on the future of NYCFC homegrown, Justin Haak.

Only the diehards believed and even some of them might admit it was only half-heartedly.  NYCFC limped into Subaru Park on Sunday night and took the fight to the Supporter's Shield owners leaving them with only their dreams of hoisting a cup. This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen recap the moments from this Eastern Conference semi-final that made it so special.  They also look ahead at the difficult task of taking down Lionel Messi and Inter Miami FC on Saturday.

NYCFC is a team that knows how to handle adversity.  Their legacy began with the club's second biggest signing missing the first half of their debut season.  Their championship season was marked with two key season-ending injuries.  Last year breakout rookie star, Malachi Jones, suffered a severe injury mid-season that he still has yet to return from.  Despite all of these moments, the team rises, the team comes together and the bond grows. Friday night was another of those moments as midfielder Andres Perea would land awkwardly breaking both his tibia and fibula in the 70th minute in Charlotte. The Boys In Blue rallied as they often do to hold off the home side and win the deciding game 3-1. This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen discuss the options Pascal Jansen has to build a midfield for the next match in Chester, PA.  They also look back at the key moments from game three of the first round series.

NYCFC had a golden opportunity to defeat the team ahead of them in the standings and advance to the second round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.  Unfortunately the result did not go their way and while it is easy to blame the two young players that missed their penalty kick chances the coach was more focused on why it was not decided in regulation.  That leadership is what hopefully will give NYCFC the advantage they need on Friday night in Charlotte. This week Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart discuss the idea of supporting players during the toughest moments.  They also talk more about David Lee's departure and look back at the first two games of the playoff series. There is audio from Pascal Jansen, Hannes Wolf, Matt Freese, Justin Haak and Tayvon Gray.

Yes, NYCFC lost to Seattle at home on decision day.  Yes, Mike, J.R. and Mike will discuss it, but before they do, they need to share their thoughts on the state of journalism and coverage of MLS by independent reporters.   It was always a challenge and with the passing of time, it has only gotten worse.  The big question is will it ever turn around?

This is part two of our series talking with fans and friends from the first ten years of NYCFC history. This episode focuses on two questions: what do you want to see in the NYCFC stadium? and where would you be without NYCFC?  

A new NYCFC era is upon us.  We now enter the Post-David-Lee era as the former sporting director departs for the vacant position in Kansas City.  As NYCFC wrap up the 2025 season the team will do so trying to fill the key role and look to develop a roster ready to open their stadium in 2027. This week Mike, J.R. and Mike discuss the tenure of David Lee and his legacy of player signings.  They also look back on the loss to Philadelphia Union in Chester.

How do you feel as an NYCFC fan after the week they had?  They were embarrassed at home against one of the strongest teams in the league and then fought back valiantly against their cross-river rival to capture the Hudson River Trophy. It is really a tale of opposites, but ultimately the spirits are running high as they enter the last two weeks of the season. And to add some more sugar to the coffee, members of the media, including Blue City Radio's own JR diBart, were given their first tour of Ethiad Park.  That's a lot to talk about but the guys get it done and all in less than 90 minutes.

There was so much going on with NYCFC last week that we did not think we could fit all of our thoughts into one episode, and we didn't.  The guys did share some audio with NYCFC CEO, Brad Sims, as well as recap the two thrilling wins from the week that give the Boys In Blue great momentum heading into another extremely challenging week.

For weeks we have been waiting for some consistency from NYCFC.  Too often their victories fooled pundits and fans alike into thinking they were a solid squad worthy of making a playoff run, only to be followed by games that made people quip if they would make the playoffs at all. Obviously one game is not enough to sway opinions, but with the remaining six games approaching the victory in Chicago was a great start. Listen this week as the guys breakdown the Fire victory and look ahead at the games that remain.  There is also audio from Seymour Reid, Pascal Jansen and Nico Fernandez Mercau.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

NYCFC welcomed former head coach, Ronny Delia, and his Atlanta United to Yankee Stadium and it was a wild night for the hometown team.  Monsef Bakrar and Hannes Wolf would combine to score the fastest three goals in club history.   This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen are back to discuss the 4-0 victory against Atlanta and hit on some other topics around the sport.

We are all overcome with gratitude to our loyal listeners and followers that tune in.  Some are there every week, some once a season, and some only once ever, but if you have ever given us even a single minute of your time to support the show we are grateful.  We do this every week for you. Thank you for helping us get to Episode 500 and here is to 500 more!

It has been an exhausting month for NYCFC and it's fans.  The team closes out the month with their home game against Houston but it has already been a month of ups and downs.  Currently, the team is on a high after a thrilling 3-1 victory at home against a surging Chicago Fire. This week the guys talk about the struggle for consistency under Pascal Jansen as he tries to unlock the best from his squad. There's audio from Pascal Jansen, Hannes Wolf, Monsef Bakrar and Tayvon Gray.

Revenge, redemption, and payback.  This week Luis Barraza met his former team and played one his best games of his career to hold NYCFC scoreless in DC and then the Boys In Blue got some payback of their own with a demonstrative victory over Red Bull at Citifield.  Questions still remain about this squad and their ultimate ceiling in the league, but for this week at least, the spirits and ambitions are high. Mike Anderer and Mike Allen listen to the audio from Pascal Jansen on his team's inconsistency and look for some of the reasons why their is hope for the growth of the squad under the new coach.  They also recap the two games from the week and share player audio from CitiField.

It easily could be the worst results week in NYCFC history, losing to USL side, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, in the US Open Cup on Wednesday followed up by a loss to last place CF Montreal at home on Saturday.  Pascal Jansen is running out of options as he juggles the extremely thin lineup options. This week J.R. diBart returns to join Mike Anderer and Mike Allen to give their thoughts on who might be able to help this team right the ship before it's too late.

FC Cincinnati entered CitiField on a five game winning streak and second in the MLS Supporter's Shield standings.  NYCFC have struggled for consistency both on the road and at home.  This was not a match up on paper at least that filled NYCFC fans with confidence.  Enter Pascal Jansen and his tactical acumen.   This week the two Mikes, Anderer and Allen, look at the challenges facing this team with the nagging injury to Keaton Parks, but also with the inability for any winger to lock in their starting role.  

Credit to Roberto Abramowitz and his Spanish language broadcast team for the statistic that NYCFC did not win any of their first five road games three times in their history: 2015, 2023 and 2025.  The huge question is that does Pascal Jansen have what it takes to earn a playoff bid from that position.  Jason Kreis and Nick Cushing both failed to reach that goal.   This week Mike and Mike are joined by Christian Smith to discuss the signing of Aiden O'Neill, the victory in Toronto and all things NYCFC.

NYCFC entered Gillette Stadium on Saturday night fresh off a victory against a strong Philadelphia side and hoped to carry that momentum on the road in Foxboro.  Unfortunately New England had other thoughts and the performance from NYCFC was simply not good enough as eloquently shared by the captain, "We need to be better."   The sad part of that quote is that there was no further follow-up given and honestly not even needed.  It was poor all around and the team knows it.   This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen take a look back at the track record of David Lee as a Sporting Director.  They also share their thoughts on what separates good players from great players as they look towards the rest of the season hoping for reinforcements to arrive in July.

Ever since 2021 Philadelphia Union fans have complained about NYCFC's Championship run.  This past week in Queens Pascal Jansen lead the boys in blue past the Union on a cold rainy night in Queens.  The game was also a celebration of Keaton Parks's 200th performance in all competitions.  This week the guys give their thoughts about Keaton, NYCFC wonder kid, Johnny Shore, and the release of the first set of prices for seats in the new stadium.