New York City FC defeated Sporting Kansas City in a big, 3-1, victory at home in the Bronx on Friday night.
As the Boys in Blue celebrated Manhattan Borough Night in true City fashion, it was an unforgettable night for NYCFC’s newest member, Gary Mackay-Steven.
The winger made his home debut, coming into the match in the 70th minute for Alexandru Mitriță.
He was greeted by cheering Cityzens, who gave him a NYCFC welcome. A moment he has been waiting for since his arrival in June.
“Absolute amazing feeling, feels like a long time coming. I’ve been here, I think, three weeks now and the boys had one home game that I watched from the stands,” he told NYCFC.com. “Obviously training with the guys is great, but making your home debut, especially here, is special. Delighted to be a part of the team.”
Mackay-Steven came on to the pitch and immediately began pushing the ball forward to help create chances for his team. Although NYCFC was up 2-1, there was no room or time to take their foot off the accelerator.
The hunger for the full three points kept them going. Seven minutes after Gaz took the pitch, he assisted captain Alex Ring for the final goal of the night.
“I was just happy to contribute and help the boys. I felt the team, especially in the second half, played really well and created a lot of chances,” he said. “Good value for the win, so for me personally it was great to make my debut and to contribute was nice.”
Mackay-Steven was thrilled to make his debut for NYCFC, but he was also happy to see a familiar face in the opposition. His comrade and former Dundee United teammate, Johnny Russell.
“It’s funny how football works, I’m great friends with Johnny and have been for years. I used to play with him years ago and it’s great to see him do so well here for Kansas City,” Mackay-Steven said.
"Obviously my home debut is against him over here in America, in New York, so it’s crazy how football works. It was a pleasure catching up with him, and was great because it’s been a little bit of time since I’ve seen him.”
Russell had been a big part of the winger’s transition to MLS and was the first phone call he made when NYCFC initially showed interest.
“When the interest came from New York, he was one of the first phone calls and messages I sent just asking about the league and everything to do with moving over,” he said.
“He played in Scotland and we’re similar players in a lot of ways as well, so he only spoke highly of the league and he loves it. He’s been doing so well and he was a big factor in my decision, so obviously thankful for him.”
Mackay-Steven’s contribution to the win made his debut a night to remember, not just for him, but for all of NYCFC. Head Coach, Dome Torrent, was particularly impressed with his newest addition.
“He can play on either side of the striker, he can play like a striker, and the last 10 minutes he played like a number 10. He can play both sides, he’s a good neutral player because he plays with quality when he has the ball, he can play with the ball and I’m very happy with him,” Torrent said.
Other news - News
Other news
- 13:35 One absent for New York City FC for the trip to Charlotte
- 13:29 New York City FC 2024 team numbers confirmed
- 16:52 Three Keys of NYCFC 0-0 Red Bulls
- 16:23 NYCFC 0-0 Red Bulls, Cushing: "Incredible atmosphere at Yankee Stadium"
- 01:20 The Knicks can sacrifice Immanuel Quickley for a star
- 00:01 Maxi Moralez: "I can't wait to be reunited with the fans"
- 23:00 Maxi Moralez back to NYCFC: "I couldn’t be more excited"
- 22:03 David Lee: "Maxi will bring leadership and experience to our group"
- 22:00 OFFICIAL - Maxi Moralez Returns to New York City Football Club
- 13:00 David Lee: "We're excited to integrate Fernandez into the team"
- 07:20 NYCFC Signs Argentinian Forward Julián Fernández
- 15:30 Bernardeschi can leave Toronto: there is interest from an Italian club
- 14:30 Los Angeles Galaxy crazy offer to Hriving Lozano
- 13:42 CR7: "Saudi Pro League is much better than the MLS"
- 18:44 NYCFC, failing season. The trend needs to be reversed
- 17:27 Birk Risa: "I'm happy to be here, I can't wait to get started"
- 15:39 OFFICIAL - NYCFC Signs Norwegian Defender Birk Risa
- 13:44 Taty Castellanos moves to Lazio
- 13:40 Inter Miami, Alba también se sumará al proyecto
- 23:36 OFFICIAL - Inter Miami, Gerardo Martino named new coach
- 22:58 Timothy Weah has landed in Turin, he will be a Juventus player
- 22:56 OFFICIAL - Kai Havertz is a new Arsenal player
- 15:30 Bayern Munich on Kane, there is an agreement on the contract but not the one with Tottenham
- 14:30 West Ham reject Arsenal's third offer for Rice. Manchester City are considering withdrawing from the auction
- 13:24 Mbappé at Real, the striker's mother-agent is the key: she will be the one to deal with PSG
- 19:15 OFFICIAL - "Welcome to Finnesota". Center forward Pukki restarts from MLS
- 19:13 OFFICIAL - Mateo Kovacic leaves Chelsea and signs with Man City
- 18:30 AC Milan wants Pulisic. Berhalter advises the US midfielder
- 18:00 West Ham: 100 million not enough for Declan Rice, rejected offers from Arsenal and Man City
- 17:30 Timothy Weah moves to Italy
- 17:00 NYCFC may pursue former Vancouver Whitecaps player
- 16:30 Antoine Griezmann wants to play in MLS and rejects the offer from Saudi Arabia
- 15:59 Keaton Parks: "I'm happy to be able to do goal and assist"
- 15:32 Bayern Munich, formal offer for Harry Kane
- 15:23 Andrea Pirlo returns to Italy, signs with Sampdoria
- 13:28 Manchester City's Champions League win could impact NYCFC's future
- 12:00 James Sands Selected To Represent The USMNT At The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup
- 08:30 Lionel Messi lands in the MLS: pros and cons
- 23:48 Real Salt Lake vs NYCFC: one player unavailable for Cushing
- 23:46 NYCFC, Cushing: “We’re Desperate For The First Road Win"
- 22:34 MLS statement on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF
- 21:54 OFFICIAL - Messi is a new player of Inter Miami FC
- 19:09 Messi's signing with Inter Miami FC