New York City FC
American soccer team.
New York City Football Club, commonly known as NYCFC, is a professional soccer club based in New York City, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The club was founded in 2013 as the league's 20th franchise and began play in 2015. NYCFC is owned by City Football Group, the company that also owns Manchester City FC and other clubs around the world.
NYCFC plays its home games at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, sharing the venue with the New York Yankees baseball team. This arrangement has been a point of discussion since the club's inception, with plans for a soccer-specific stadium ongoing. The club's colors are sky blue, navy blue, and orange, reflecting the colors of New York City's flag.
Since joining MLS, NYCFC has quickly established itself as one of the league's most competitive teams. The club's greatest achievement to date came in 2021 when they won their first MLS Cup, defeating the Portland Timbers in the final. This victory marked a significant milestone for the young franchise and cemented their status as a major force in American soccer.
NYCFC has also enjoyed success in regular season play, winning the Eastern Conference in 2019 and consistently qualifying for the playoffs since 2016. The club has developed a reputation for playing an attractive, possession-based style of soccer, influenced by the philosophy of the City Football Group.
Throughout its history, NYCFC has attracted several high-profile players, including World Cup winners David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard. Villa, in particular, played a crucial role in the club's early years, serving as the team's first captain and becoming a fan favorite during his four-year stint in New York.
NYCFC has developed intense rivalries with the New York Red Bulls and the Philadelphia Union, with matches against these teams often being among the most anticipated of the season. The Hudson River Derby between NYCFC and the Red Bulls has become one of the most heated rivalries in MLS.