Since arriving in Arizona for the Desert Diamond Cup early this month, NYCFC’s 2017 preseason campaign has been underwhelming and poor, losing in all three matchups via avoidable mistakes and poor defense chemistry. Despite the emergence of 16-year-old wonderboy James Sands and the arrival of new midfield star Maxi Moralez, NYC had failed to add legitimacy to its many moral victories leading up to their showdown against Sporting Kansas City at Kino North Stadium on Saturday.
But this time, City would not be denied, pulling out a 1-0 victory over the Wizd.
Coach Patrick Vieira mixed age with beauty in what could arguably be NYC’s most exciting starting eleven to date:
GK: Sean Johnson
DEF: R.