Official Statement on the Departure of Patrick Vieira

The Third Rail would like to wish Patrick Vieira the best of luck in his new position at Nice. While we are disappointed to see him leave mid-season, Patrick’s impact over the past two and a half years has been undeniable. During his tenure, Patrick immediately improved on NYCFC’s first year performances, presiding over two winning seasons, and bringing our club to its first playoff appearances. Patrick leaves behind a team competing at the top of the league with mid-season hopes of making a deep playoff run. Patrick will always have a home here in New York City.

Looking forward, we expect NYCFC to be ambitious with the selection of our next manager. NYCFC supporters deserve a manager who builds on Patrick’s work, takes our club to new heights, and aspires to deliver NYCFC its first trophies. We look forward to welcoming the new manager in the coming days and expect the strong start to the season to continue into summer.

Game Preview: NYCFC v. Atlanta United (6/09)

By Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

On Saturday, June 9th NYCFC will host Atlanta United to fight for first place in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield race. City’s most important game of the season will also potentially be Patrick Vieira’s last, with multiple sources reporting he will be headed to OGC Nice after the weekend. Coming off a second 4-0 loss to our cross-state rivals in the Cup, and news that midfielder Yangel Herrera will miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury, NYCFC will be forced to turn the tide. Fortunately, there is no better place to do just that than in the Bronx, where City is 6-0-0 on the season, outscoring opponents 18 to 2.

Lineup Prediction

While there is a chance that NYCFC line up in a 3-5-2, most fans will be rooting for the mainstay 4-3-3 before the team sheet is released on Saturday. The proof lies in City’s last game in the Bronx, last week against Orlando. Although taking a 1-0 lead to the locker room at halftime, the boys in blue were outplayed in the first half rather thoroughly. The second half began with a substitution of Ben Sweat, reverting to our usual back four, and city never took their foot off the gas, cruising to a 3-0 victory.

While I would not personally choose Jo Inge Berget to start, I believe that Patrick Vieira will, as he has countless times this season. David Villa, Maxi Moralez, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, Alex Ring, and Anton Tinnerholm should all start after being rested on Wednesday. The absence of Yangel Herrera should allow Ebenezer Ofori to start, with the real lineup decisions coming at the back. With Maxime Chanot now healthy and with 90’ under his belt on Wednesday, I believe that NYCFC will give him the start again on Saturday, alongside defensive partner Alexander Callens, slotting Ben Sweat at fullback. Do not be surprised, however, to see both Centre Backs and Sebastien Ibeagha get the start, allowing freedom for Anton Tinnerholm to get forward on the right.

Recent Form

NYCFC: LDWLW

In league play, NYCFC’s form has been erratic due to formation changes in recent weeks. Coming off a 3-0 victory at home against Orlando, however, City look to finally get a win against a formidable Eastern Conference opponent.

Atlanta: LWLDW

Defeating a 9-man Philadelphia Union side 3-1 in their last league match, Atlanta United and the big three of Josef Martinez, Miguel Almirón, and Ezequiel Barco look to prove themselves and justify their sky-high reputation across MLS.

Previous Meeting

Earlier this season on April 15th, NYCFC and Atlanta United drew 2-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd of 45,000+ fans. The hype around the game was justified, with both teams playing positive football and moving as a unit up and down the pitch. Greg Garza opened the scoring on a rebounded shot off Sean Johnson, but NYCFC responded with a David Villa penalty, won by Jo Inge Berget. A header from Chris McCann broke the deadlock in minute 56’, before Alex Ring scored the goal of the season for NYCFC thus far with a strike from about 25 yards out. The match ended with a rightful score line of 2-2.

Game Highlights

Standings

Atlanta United and NYCFC sit first and second place in the Eastern Conference respectively. Both sides look to be the first club in Major League Soccer in 2018 to reach 30 points, and NYCFC will attempt to continue their perfect form at home thus far through six contests.

Player Spotlight

NYCFC: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

With seven goals on only eight shots on target, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi has been the most efficient player in MLS this season. His production is all the more impressive because he has only played 554 minutes this season, almost 300 less than teammate Jo Inge Berget. For the last two seasons, NYCFC supporters have been looking for a forward to consistently score alongside David Villa, and it seems as though we may have finally found him in the 24-year-old Winger.

Atlanta United: Miguel Almirón

While Josef Martinez has been receiving the majority of the spotlight this season, Miguel Almirón has been the team MVP of Atlanta United. First in the league in shots with 72 and second in shots on goal with 24, Almirón makes Atlanta the attacking powerhouse neutrals love to watch. Taking a look at Advanced Statistics, Almirón is first in Major League Soccer with 15.37 expected goals plus assists. Atlanta United run on Miguel Almirón, and stopping him will be priority number one in Patrick Vieira’s game plan.

Player Stats

NYCFC:

Goals: David Villa (8), Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (7), Maxi Moralez (6)

Assists: Jesus Medina (5), Maxi Moralez (5), David Villa (3)

Home Goals: David Villa (5)

Atlanta United:

Goals: Josef Martínez (12), Miguel Almirón (6), Ezequiel Barco (3)

Assists: Miguel Almirón (6), Julian Gressel (4), Greg Garza and Darlington Nagbe (3)

Away Goals: Josef Martinez (4)

 

Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC. Interested in learning more about the Third Rail? Visit our website at thirdrail.nyc for merchandise, weekly game previews and more. Interested in joining? Click here.

Watch NYCFC v Atlanta on YES Network at 12:30 ET or Listen on WNYE 91.5 FM

Game Preview: NYCFC v. Red Bulls (US Open Cup)

By Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

NYCFC and the Red Bulls will face off for the twelfth time in only three years on Wednesday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, this time in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Our Boys in Blue have traditionally struggled at Red Bull Arena and in Cup competition, but the atmosphere will certainly be a main focus for both fan bases, with last year’s Open Cup match drawing only 11,000 fans to the stadium. Both managers will be hard-pressed to fight for the win, while also resting key starters for important matches on the weekend.

Lineup Prediction

NYCFC prepares for an Eastern Conference showdown against Atlanta United on Saturday, so lineup selections for Patrick Vieira will be very difficult. The Cup’s limit on five international players will also be tough to work though for Vieira, setting up a potentially interesting lineup from City.

I predict that NYCFC will return to the 4-3-3 and rest some starters, while allowing others to fight for their place on the weekly team sheet. Maxime Chanot, who does not count as an international player due to his green card, should get a run out to prepare for Saturday’s contest after his injury absence. Saad Abdul-Salaam will almost certainly pick up the start at fullback allowing rest for Anton Tinnerholm.

I also predict and hope that Alexander Ring, who has been asked to play the “sweeper” role of the 3-5-2 in recent weeks, gets a night off, allowing Tommy McNamara to fight his way back into the lineup and Ebenezer Ofori to keep his form.

This match is the perfect opportunity for Jonathan Lewis, who impressed in his limited time off the bench last weekend, to showcase his skills. Lastly, due to a recent drop in form, I predict that Jesus Medina will start on Wednesday, allowing Ismael Tajouri-Shradi to play a full 90’ on Saturday in NYCFC’s most important contest of the season. Do not be surprised, however, to see Brad Stuver or Cedric Hountondji pick up their first minutes of the season, or Academy products and Homegrown players James Sands and Joe Scally get involved on Wednesday night.

Recent Form

Red Bulls: WWWDL

After a 4 game winning streak, including a victory over NYCFC, the Red Bulls have dropped points in two straight matches.  

NYCFC: LDWLW

2-1-2 in their last five games in the league, NYCFC will look to win its first ever Open Cup match.

Player Spotlight

Red Bulls: Ryan Meara, GK

Former NYCFC Goalkeeper Ryan Meara will mostly likely start on Wednesday. Meara started all five matches in the cup last year, including the 1-0 victory over NYCFC. Allowing only 5 goals all competition with two clean sheets, Meara led the Red Bulls to the Cup Final, where they lost to Sporting Kansas City by a score line of 2-1.

NYCFC: Jonathan Lewis, F

Jonathan Lewis looked electric off the bench against Orlando on Saturday, and the mid-week contest is perfect timing for the 21-year-old Akron product to prove his talent. Trapped at the bottom of the depth chart behind Jo Inge Berget, Jesus Medina, and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, Lewis played his first minutes of the season on Saturday. In only 12 minutes, Lewis beat two separate defenders in one-on-one scenarios, and began the build-up to City’s third and final goal, scoring a 109 on the Audi Player Index for the match. Another solid performance from the former third overall pick of the SuperDraft may force Patrick Vieira’s hand in future matches.

Player Stats

Red Bulls:

Goals: Bradley Wright-Phillips (9), Four Players (3)

Assists: Alejandro Romero Gamarra (9), Bradley Wright-Phillips (5)

Home Goals: Bradley Wright-Phillips (6)

NYCFC:

Goals: David Villa (8), Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (7), Maxi Moralez (6)

Assists: Jesus Medina (5), Maxi Moralez (5), David Villa and Yangel Herrera (3)

Away Goals: David Villa and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (3)

Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC. Interested in learning more about the Third Rail? Visit our website at thirdrail.nyc for merchandise, weekly game previews and more. Interested in joining? Click here. 

Game Preview: NYCFC v. Houston (5/25)

By Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)

On Friday, May 25th our boys in blue will look to build upon their 4-0 win against the Colorado Rapids when they travel to BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas to face the Houston Dynamo. NYCFC will attempt to place rumors of Head Coach Patrick Vieira’s departure aside and take back the 1st place position in the Eastern Conference.

Lineup Prediction

Away from home, I expect NYCFC to line up in their usual 4-3-3 and depart from last week’s 3-5-2. Maxime Chanot is healthy and should be ready to lead the backline. Probably surprising to some, I expect Vieira to give Ben Sweat a start at left back and supplant MLS Team of the Week starter Ronald Matarrita. Left back will be an incredibly important position for NYC this week, with the starter being tasked with defending Alberth Elis, who will be discussed later in Houston’s Player Spotlight. Sweat will give City a soundness at the back that Matarrita’s attacking yet sometimes reckless style does not provide, especially on the road.

I believe Jesus Medina will reclaim his starting position on the right, with red-hot newcomer Ismael Tajouri-Shradi starting opposite on the left in NYC’s most dynamic attack of the season. The usual midfield of Maxi Moralez, Yangel Herrera, and Alex Ring should stay intact, although Herrera’s recent form has led to some fans asking serious questions of the hard-nosed 20 year-old defensive midfielder. Do not be surprised to see Ofori grab a spot start in the midfield, or for Vieira to opt to keep forward Jo Inge Berget in the attack, after arguably his best start of the season last week.

Recent Form

Houston: WLWDW

Unbeaten in their last three, the Houston Dynamo will attempt to continue their winning ways after a 3-2 victory away from home last week against the Chicago Fire.

NYCFC: LWLDW

Responding well to the 4-0 away loss to the Red Bulls, NYCFC are unbeaten in their last two. Playing the toughest schedule in the league so far, New York look to get back to their usual winning ways.

Previous Meeting

On September 23rd of last year, NYCFC and Houston drew 1-1 in their only meeting of the season. Fans will remember this game for a few reasons, first and foremost being that it was played at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut after a scheduling conflict at Yankee Stadium.

Maxi Moralez opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a rare header, supplied from a Jack Harrison cross. Houston responded in the sixteenth minute scoring the only other goal of the contest on a quickly taken free kick, catching New York City sleeping at the back. Interestingly, Allen Chapman was the Head Referee for the contest last September, and will officiate Friday as well.

New York City are unbeaten in three games against the Dynamo.

All-time Series: 1-0-2

Standings

New York City FC currently sit second in the loaded Eastern Conference, trailing Atlanta United by a lone point. Houston lies in sixth place in the West, but look to make back ground with only ten games played so far this season.    

Player Spotlights

Yangel Herrera

The 20 year old Venezuelan international has had a solid career with the Boys in Blue, becoming a staple on the weekly team sheet. His recent form, however, has disappointed. He was thoroughly outmatched in the Hudson River Derby by Tyler Adams, and did not respond well either against LAFC, leading to a rather open midfield throughout the entire match. It is certainly not yet time to move on, but with Ebenezer Ofori as a second option, Herrera may begin to see less playing time unless he produces a good showing on the pitch. Looking at advanced statistics, Herrera has the third most shots of any player in MLS without scoring with 21. On these twenty-one shots, Herrera has a lowly 1.42 expected goals (xG).

Alberth Elis

Facing a Western Conference opponent, City fans may not be familiar with Houston’s danger man, but he is a force to be reckoned with. 22 year-old Alberth Elis scored two goals against the Chicago Fire last week, and is having an amazing season thus far. His performance earned him MLS Team of the Week honors as a forward, alongside Bradley Wright-Phillips and David Villa. The Honduran International leads MLS in shots on goal with 22, and is fourth in total shots with 42. The pacey winger is fourth in the league in expected goals, in the company of Josef Martinez, Gyasi Zardes, and Miguel Almiron. His expected goals plus assists ratio is only second in the league behind Almiron, making Elis a serious force to be reckoned with. Elis will line up on the right, creating an interesting matchup for whoever City selects to start at left back.

Team Stats

New York City FC:

Goals: David Villa (7), Maxi Moralez (5), Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (5)

Assists: Jesus Medina (5), Maxi Moralez (4), David Villa and Yangel Herrera (3)

Road Goals: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (3)

Houston Dynamo:

Goals: Alberth Elis (6), Mauro Manotas (5), Romell Quioto (3)

Assists: Alberth Elis (5), Romell Quioto and Tomas Martinez (4), Boniek Garcia (3)

Home Goals: Alberth Elis, Romell Quioto, and Mauro Manotas (2)

NYCFC vs Houston Dynamo will be broadcast at 8:55 ET, available on UniMás and the Univision NOW app. The Third Rail will also be hosting a 5th Anniversary watch party at St. Pat's Bar and Grill, RSVP here.

Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC

The Third Rail Renews Its Partnership With Bronx Brewery

NEW YORK CITY – The Third Rail has renewed its partnership with Bronx Brewery for a second straight season. The partnership includes discounts on beer and merchandise at the brewery, beer for all away tailgates and brewery parties before select home matches this season (dates TBD).

The Third Rail prides itself on partnering with local businesses, not only to provide value to its membership, but to make a deeper impact within the New York City community through the relationships the organization builds.

Andy Drelick, President of The Third Rail, said:

“Bronx Brewery doesn’t just make great beer for thirsty soccer supporters, they also do incredible work supporting our team’s home, The Bronx. We’re proud and excited to continue working with this wonderful group of people.”

Patrick Libonate, VP of Marketing at Bronx Brewery, said:

"The Bronx Brewery is proud to once again partner up with Third Rail, the most passionate NYCFC supporters club, for another season of soccer in The Bronx.  We look forward to cheering on the Blues together with them at the brewery, in the stadium, and at the tailgates.  Cheers!"

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The Third Rail is the first recognized independent Supporters Group for New York City FC. The volunteer-run organization consists of fans from all over the city (and the world) who come together to have fun, play soccer, raise money for good causes, and support the first Major League Soccer club to play in New York City.

In 2011, Bronx Brewery set out to revive the great tradition of brewing beer in the Bronx. Pint by pint, fans fell in love with the beer across the city, and the company has quickly expanded into a destination for locals, providing a brewery and tasting room experience in the South Bronx, inclusive of some of the best food and music from the area.

New Mobile Wallpapers for 2018

Our trusty designer extraordinaire dropped these slick wallpapers today! Grab yours below and dress your phone up with supreme style. 

2017 Recap

2017 is coming to a close and it's time to reflect on some of the many accomplishments this year. We are extremely proud of the strides we've made and excited for the future. With continued involvement and effort from members, we will reach even greater heights so that we may have a greater impact on our community. Thank you to everyone who has invested their time and energy into the #TRibe! 

•  Debuted new drums ‘Thunder’ a 36” vintage '70s Slingerland bass drum and a 14" high tension marching snare
•  Competed in the 2016 Pepito Cup hosted by Guiseppe Rossi. Posted 2nd best record in the tournament
•  Hosted East Village Bar Crawl
•  Coordinated NY Rangers match group outing
•  Coordinated Manchester City trip which included Spurs match, stadium and academy tour, supporters group mini tournament at the academy and City Square Live interview
•  Marched in Chinese New Year Parade
•  Coordinated food drive for Food Bank for New York City and collected 100 lbs of food
•  Kicked off the new season with a new partner bar, St. Pats. Hosted over 300 people at season opener watch party
•  Supported Dallas Beer Guardians’ Day of Giving Back in Denton, TX
•  Distributed a new premium giveaway for membership: Patrick Vieira bobblehead
•  New TR signage and a membership table at Yankee Stadium
•  Coordinated a member tour of ESPN HQ
•  Hosted a #Railgate at The Bronx Brewery. Over 100 members attended
•  Marched in the NYC Pride Parade
• Competed in Street Soccer USA Times Square Cup
•  Established a new partnership with the Bronx Brewery with free beer at a number of tailgates and events
•  Debuted our new Mitchell & Ness, NYCFC, TR collection with a fabulous launch party at Upper90 Astoria
•  Sent 2 lucky members to the Colorado Rapids away match in Denver courtesy of St. Pat’s
•  Extended the Electric City product range
•  Coordinated 2 open practice dates at the team facility in SUNY Purchase attended by 100 TR members
•  Hosted full tailgates at RBA, East Hartford and New England courtesy of TRCT and TRNJ
•  Hosted full tailgate at CitiField
•  Exclusive time at NYCFC House with FIFA 17 Tournament and merch discount
•  Donated over $1,000 to Tickets for Troops. Gave away 40 match tickets and TR Veteran’s Appreciation scarves
•  Donated over $4,000 to South Bronx United via their Charity Cup and Annual Benefit
•  Donated $250 to Texian Army (Houston Dynamo supporters) for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
• Hosted End of Season party at Barleycorn NYC with Jolty Awards
•  Grew social media following to Twitter: 12.1K, Instagram: 16.1K
•  Number of members: 1040

South Bronx United Annual Benefit

"South Bronx United, Inc. is a nonprofit youth development organization, founded in 2009, that serves more than nearly 1,000 boys and girls each year through programs on the soccer field, in the classroom, and in the community.  South Bronx United (SBU) combines academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, leadership development, health and wellness programs,  immigrant legal services, and other family and youth supports with recreational and travel soccer.  SBU participants range from ages 4 to 20 years old and primarily come from low-income, immigrant families.  The SBU Academy, the organization's highest-touch program, aims to provide a path from middle school to high school to college and careers.  Within the past five years, 100 percent of SBU Academy seniors have graduated high school and 94 percent have enrolled in college."

The Third Rail understands the value of support. That is why we are honored to be bronze level sponsors of the youth advocacy programs of South Bronx United through their annual benefit. This years benefit will honor NYCFC President Jon Patricof and will be held on November 16th in Manhattan. Anyone interested to attend can find additional information and tickets here: http://www.sbusupporters.org/benefit.

Beat The Pro with Ben Sweat

A few weeks ago, we sent Daniel Foci out with Jillian Sakovits and Susannah Collins to try and beat Ben Sweat in a crossbar challenge. How did he fair? Find out in the video...

Photos: #Railgate at Red Bull Away Match

Photos by Kevin Cifuentes

The Third Rail and its New Jersey chapter hosted another awesome #Railgate at Red Bull Arena. Despite the Friday 3 pm start time, the turnout was fantastic! We wonder what excuses everyone used to get out of work early? Check out some of the photos from the day below. 

We thank our wonderful partners at The Bronx Brewery and Monster Energy for their continued support. #TRibe