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New York City FC Team History

New York City FC
NY City FC Primary Logo
NY City FC Alternate Logo
NY City FC Team Merch

Established
2013

City
New York

League History
2015 – Present / Major League Soccer

Team History
2015 – Present / New York City FC

Nickname
New York City FC – New York City FC is one of the most exciting teams in Major League Soccer, and their nickname has an interesting backstory. The team was founded in 2013 by Manchester City Football Club, based in England. As part of their partnership with NYCFC, they gave them a nickname unique to the city: “The Pigeons.”

The name pays homage to New York's long-standing relationship with its iconic bird species – pigeons have been around for centuries and are even featured on some of the city’s oldest postcards! While many people may think it's strange for a professional soccer team to be named after birds, it makes perfect sense when you consider how important these animals are both culturally and symbolically within New York City. Not only do they represent freedom (as seen through movies like Home Alone 2), but also loyalty - something that any sports fan can appreciate!

In addition to being an homage to one of NYC’s beloved creatures, “The Pigeons" also serves as a reminder about what makes this club so unique – its strong connection with Manchester City Football Club across international waters! It allows fans from both sides to cheer together and unite under one common goal: winning championships at all levels possible throughout MLS play each season.

So next time you hear someone referring to your favorite MLS side as "the Pigeons," remember why this particular moniker was chosen - there's no better way than connecting two great cities through sport while honoring such beautiful feathered friends!

Championship
MLS Cups 1
2021

Stadium
2015 - Present / Yankee Stadium

Owner
2013 - Present / City Football Group (majority) and Yankee Global Enterprises (minority)

  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2020
  • 2021
  • 2023
  • david villa new york city fc

    New York City FC signs its first player – David Villa

    In 2014: New York City FC signs its first player, Spanish international forward David Villa, on June 2, 2014. Villa joins from Atlético Madrid and becomes the club’s first captain and designated player. The club also signs its first head coach, Jason Kreis, on December 11, 2014. Kreis joins from Real Salt Lake, where he won the MLS Cup in ...
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  • NY City FC 2015

    New York City FC Team Formation

    MLS had an interest in placing a second team in the New York area as early as 2006 when the MetroStars’ exclusive territorial rights reverted to the league as a condition of the club’s sale to Red Bull GmbH. By the following year, the league had held talks with several groups, including New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon and his ...
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  • 2016: New York City FC

    New York City FC finishes second in the Eastern Conference

    In 2016: New York City FC finishes second in the Eastern Conference and qualifies for the playoffs for the first time. The club also participates in the U.S. Open Cup, reaching the fourth round before losing to New York Cosmos 1–0. The club also signs several notable players, such as Jack Harrison, an English international winger who joined from Wake ...
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  • New York City FC debut in the CONCACAF Champions League

    New York City FC debut in the CONCACAF Champions League

    New York City began the 2020 season with their debut in the CONCACAF Champions League and advanced to the quarter finals after defeating Costa Rican outfit San Carlos 6–3 over two legs.
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  • MLS Champs New York City FC

    Shootout Wins it for The City

    MLS Cup 2021 was the 26th edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS) at the conclusion of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. The match was played on December 11, 2021, at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, United States. It was contested by hosts Portland Timbers and New York City FC to determine the champion ...
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  • New York City FC starts the 2023 season

    New York City FC starts the 2023 season with a 3–0 win

    In 2023: New York City FC starts the season with a 3–0 win over Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium.
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Who is the greatest New York City FC?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

History of the City FC

New York City Football Club (NYCFC) is a professional Major League Soccer (MLS) soccer team. The club was founded in 2013 and is the first MLS franchise in New York City. NYCFC has quickly become one of the most successful teams in MLS, reaching two Eastern Conference Finals since its inception.

The club’s inaugural season began with an impressive start as they finished second overall and reached their first-ever playoff appearance. Since then, NYCFC has been consistent contenders for the playoffs every year and has had some memorable moments, such as winning their first major trophy, Supporters' Shield 2019, by defeating Atlanta United FC 2-1 on Decision Day of that same year. They also made it to back-to-back Eastern Conference finals appearances during the 2017 & 2018 seasons but were unable to advance further due to losses against Toronto FC both times.

In the 2020 season, however, things changed drastically for NYFCC when they went all out signing stars like Maxi Moralez from Mexico's Liga MX side Club Leon which became a massive boost for them as he was instrumental throughout this campaign, helping his new team reach the top spot at regular season table before eventually losing out on penalty shootouts against eventual champions Columbus Crew SC during semi-final stage of playoffs ending their quest prematurely yet again despite having one of best rosters across entire league filled with talent from all over world including Spain's Heber who scored 15 goals making him joint third highest goal scorer behind only LA Galaxy duo Chicharito & Cristian Pavon respectively thus proving how much potential this squad truly possess moving forward into 2021 edition potentially bringing long-awaited championship glory finally home after many years waiting patiently!

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